Catalog: S. Sakakura Cigarette Lighters and Cases, Japan 1930s

S. Sakakura was a Japanese company specializing in production of good quality cigarette lighters. Below the whole table lighters section from the 9th catalog from the 1930s. Enjoy!

eBay: Ronson Touch-Tip Lighter with Clock

Few days ago (9th April 2017) an extremely rare Ronson table lighter was sold on eBay for $1,995. It is, in my opinion, the best looking clock combination Touch-Tip lighter made by Ronson. It was manufactured in the late 1930s in two finishes: chrome plate with black or tortoise enamel and gold plate, also with black or tortoise enamel. The price is adequate to the very good condition of the sold example.

 

Evans Lighters Catalog, USA 1930

Evans pocket lighters from the 1930s have a beautiful Art Deco look. Here are four pages from a Wholesale Catalog from the 1930 featuring Evans pocket and table lighters. Stunning! 

Karl Wieden KW 650/G Table Lighter, 1932

The KW type 650/G was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1932 in Germany. It was a very successful and robust semi-automatic table lighter produced in various finishes till the early 1950s.

The photos present an example of the KW 650/G made in brass with green artificial oxide. Except this sailing ship, also a version with dragons and elephants is known. Horses were used in a similar design combined with the later KW Capri version. Usually marked KW on the bottom. Other markings are possible (but rare). 

The removable lighter insert is a standard brass KW in normal size. There were also available smaller units in the size 3/4 and 1/2 of the normal KW (see dimensions). The lighter model was patented in Germany in 1936 although the design was introduced into the market in 1952.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter base:

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $60.00–120.00 (approx €50.00–100.00)

Weight: 260 grams (0.57 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.83")
• width: 8.4 cm (3.3")
• length: 2.8 cm (1.1")

Ronson Striker Lighter "Monkey", 1938

The Ronson Striker Lighter "Monkey" was manufactured by Art Metal Works Inc. (Ronson) between 1938-1940 in Newark, N.J. in the United States. The same "laughing out loud" monkey design was also used in the manufacturing the Ronson AMW incense burner, but certainly without the wand and flint strip.

The striker wand (two variants known) is on the top of the monkeys head and the flint strip on the arm. The striker lighter base is die-casted. It is therefor heavy and very sturdy. The finish is called "imperial bronze" - deep bronze effect combined with cooper-colored highlights. It was also made (but is rarer) in cooper finish The striker lighter combines a small ashtray compartment in a form of a clamshell.

The bottom of the lighter is marked:

RONSON 
8864

Also some of the lighters have a sticker saying: 

FASHIONED BY  RONSON

Type: striker lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: 250€

Weight: 735 grams (2 lbs)

Dimensions:

• height: 10 cm (3.9")
• width: 9 cm (3.5")
• depth: 9 cm (3.5")

Ronson Art Déco Table Lighter, 1934

The Ronson "Art Déco" also referred as the "Tall Boy" (Urban Cummings) is one of the rarest and most representative lighters for the Art Deco period ever made by Ronson. It was manufactured in a small amount between 1934 and 1935 by ART METAL WORKS INC. in Newark (New Jarsey) in the United States.

Art Deco was the predominant decorative art style of the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by precise and boldly delineated geometric shapes and strong colors. The favorite materials used in finishing household items were glass, chrome, bakelite and enamel.

This particular lighter has a chrome plated brass body which major part is covered with black enamel which gives a very contrastive design. The lighter is relatively tall and thin and is neither handy nor particularly heavy.

The body of the lighter is based on an oval. A beautiful Art Deco ornamental monogram shield is present on one side (see photo above). A 1934 Ronson catalog shows also a version with a running scotty dog and a drunk hanging on to a light pole (both are without a monogram shield), see below. Both motives were also used on the Ronson De-Light "Jumbo" table lighter.

The bottom of the lighter is marked:

RONSON DE-LIGHT

U.S. PAT. RE. NO. 19023

ART METAL WORKS INC.

NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

RONSON DE-LIGHT

PATENTED JUNE 17.1928

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $400–600.00 (approx. €300–500.00)

Weight: 155 grams (0.33 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 13.9 cm (5.5")
• width: 4.1 cm (1.6")
• depth: 6.8 cm (2.7")

Ronson De-Light Superba Table Lighter, 1929

The Ronson De-Light "Superba" (model no. 12773) was one of the earliest automatic table lighters made by Art Metal Works Inc. in Newark (New Jersey) USA. It was manufactured between 1929 and 1932. The design of the lighter was patented by the United States Patent Office in 1929 (patent no. 80,214). This wick lighter was designed by the founder of AMW – Louis V. Aronson – himself.

The lighter is shaped like a trophy with a handle and made of brass and chrome plated. The body of the lighter is based on a hexagon and each wall has an engine-turned design. On one side a small rectangle monogram shield is present (see photo above).

The bottom of the lighter is padded with green felt and marked:

RONSON DE-LIGHT
"SUPERBA"

U.S. PATS.

1290011-1673727,

OTHER U.S. & FOREIGN PAT'S PDG.

ART METAL WORKS

INC.

NEWARK, N.J.

U.S.A.

RONSON DE-LIGHT

PATENTED JUNE 17.1928

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $300–500.00 (approx. €250–400.00)

Weight: 150 grams (0.32 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12,9 cm (5")
• width: 7.5 cm (3")
• depth: 5.3 cm (2")

LektroLite Flameless Lighters Postcard, 1930/1940s

This humorous "LektroLite Flameless Lighters" postcard was in circulation in the late 1930s/ early 1940s mainly in the United States. What a good way to promote products!

Ronson Lighters Catalog, England 1938/1939

After five hours of work I have just finished to digitize the Ronson Catalog from the 1938. I must admit that it looks great. It covers the whole range of Ronson cigarette table/desk, combo and pocket lighters made that day. Approximately 150 lighters are described and illustrated in this 20-page catalog. A must have for every lighter collector!

Please make a donation of $5 and you get this and couple of other publications on lighters (for instance: Lighter Repair Manual) in PDF delivered to you by email! Thank you!

Mail Order Catalog, House of Gellman Brothers, 1938

Fine examples of cigarette table/desk lighters from the Gellman Bros. catalog from 1938. Featured are several "new modernistic designed automatic lighters" mainly chrome and nickel plated.

Flamidor Lift Arm Table Lighter, 1935

This interesting lift arm table lighter marked "Unis France" was manufactured between 1935 and 1939 by J. Quercia (Flamidor) in (176, Rue St. Martin) Paris, France. Flamidor is one of the most famous and oldest lighter manufacturer in the world. The business was established by Janvier Quercia in 1890 in the Marais district of Paris. At the beginning Quercia was manufacturing cabinets and silverware. After 1906 the company markets the first Quercia lighter and since 1908 it manufacturers even more lighter models. In 1935 Marcel Quercia became the director of Flamidor which is the ancestor of the Flaminaire brand.

The semi-automatic wick table lighter was available in various finishes, mainly nickel plate over brass and covered with leather. Flamidor manufactured this lighter in two sizes - the shorter one is depicted. They were widely promoted in French magazines in 1935-1938 as "le briquet de bureau chic". It is also worth to mention that Unis France (Union Nationale Inter-Syndicale) was established in 1916 and was an organization promoting French products. The headquarters of Unis France was 41 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris, France. The organization was active till 1940.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the underside:

QUERCIA
BREVETE S.G.D.G. (type of a French patent without state warranty)

FLAMIDOR
MARQUE DEPOSEE
UNIS
FRANCE
BBR (bleu, blanc, rouge; colors of the French flag: blue, white, red)

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition: $50–100.00 (approx €40–80.00)

Weight: 200 grams (7 ¹/₈ oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.3 cm (2.9")
• width: 8.7 cm (3.4")
• depth: 3.7 cm  (1.4")

Rustic Lift Arm Table Lighter, 1931

This stylish Art Deco lift arm Table Lighter was manufactured between 1931 and 1937 by Rustic in France. It was available in various finishes, mainly nickel plate and brass.

The outer case can be find in enamel, leather. The lighter is very robust and heavy as it is made of solid brass. 

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the underside:

 [French tax plate]

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition: $60–120.00 (approx €45–90.00)

Weight: 265 grams (9 ¹/₃ oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.3 cm (4.1")
• width: 7.5 cm (3")
• depth: 2.8 cm  (1.1")

Advert: Ronson Touch-Tip Table Lighters, 1936

A full page Ronson magazine advertisement published on 9th December 1936 in "PUNCH or The London Charivari" magazine in England. The advert features among others some soght after Touch-Tip Ronson table lighters:

• Touch-Tip Bar,
• Touch-Tip Dispenser,
• Touch-Tip Egyptian Girl,
• Touch-Tip Clock.

Patent: Ronson Streamline Touch-Tip Table Lighter, 1937

The Ronson Streamline Touch-Tip was first manufactured by Art Metal Works (AMW) in Newark, New Jersey, USA. The design of the lighter was patented by the United States Patent Office in 1937 (patent no. 104,955). Today it is a very collectible piece because of its streamline design.

Park Sherman Lift Arm Table Lighter Set, 1933

This stylish Art Deco Lift Arm Table Lighter Set was manufactured between 1933 and 1939 by Park Sherman Company in Springfield, Illinois, USA.

This particular set consists of a wick lighter and a cigarette holder/dispenser. It was also available with a matching tray and several brass ashtrays. The most common colors for this set is green with black stripes, red with black stripes and black with red stripes.

The Park Sherman products were sold throughout 1931 to the 1960 when it was sold to a New Jersey firm of Ketcham & McDougall. Park Sherman lighters were marketed as "Park", "Storm King" and "Everdry".

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the underside:

 (logo, coming soon)

PARK SHERMAN

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition (two piece set): $50.00–120.00 (approx €40.00–90.00)

Weight:  

• lighter: 88 grams (3 ¹/₈ oz)
• cigarette dispenser: 218 grams (7 ⁵/₈ oz)

Dimensions:

lighter:

• height: 9.5 cm (3.9")
• diameter: 4.8 cm (1.9")

cigarette dispenser:

• height: 16 cm (6.3")
• diameter: 8 cm (3.15")

Strikalite Lucite Table Lighter, 1946

The Strikalite Lucite Table Lighter was manufactured most probably between 1946 and 1948 in New York, U.S.A. The designer of the lucite lighter was K. Adler.

Strikalite was founded in 1934 by Harley Avedon in New York. The company dealt from the beginning with the manufacture and sale of novelty volume priced lighters. The lucite table lighter is one of its kind as it was probably the first lighter that took advantage of plexiglas which was first brought into market in 1933. The lighter insert is marked:

STRIKALITE

MADE IN U.S.A.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $25–40 (approx €20–30)

Weight: 90 g (6.70 oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.5 cm (3")
• width: 5 cm (2")
• depth: 2.8 cm (1")

Parker (Dunhill) of London Silent Flame Lighter, 1935

This Silent Flame Table Lighter was manufactured by Parker of London Ltd. in New York (U.S.A.) between 1935 and 1944. The invention patented in 1935 was known as the electric cigar lighter "of the type wherein a wick is ignited through the heat of an electrical resistance element" and was very popular in the Art Deco period. 

The depicted silent flame lighter is known as the "Fan Dancer" inspired by Sally Rand. It was also sold as the "Aphrodite" - "Graceful nude statuette in gleaming chromium, mounted on plastic base. Touch lighter unit to any part of figure for a quick, sure flame". The metal female figure was available in chrome plate and gold-tone plate. The base was made of black or dark brown Bakelite. The very same version was marketed by Dunhill.

The bottom of the base is marked:

SILENT FLAME
TABLE LIGHTER
by
PARKER OF LONDON

MADE IN U.S.A.
U.S. Pat. No. 2020142

Type: electric petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $75.00–90.00 (approx. €60.00–75.00)

Weight: 180 grams (6 ¹/₂ oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.5 cm (5")
• width: 7.5 cm (3")
• length: 9 cm (3 ¹/₂")

The instruction on how to fill and light the cigar lighter and how to exchange the batteries is available here.