Gebrüder Köllisch, Druco Lighter, 1948

The Druco table lighter was first manufactured in 1948 in Nürnberg, Germany by Gebrüder Köllisch. The body of this petrol lighter is made of brass. This semi-automatic lighter has a nice sun ray design etched in the black paint. Other designs are known.

The lighter is not marked. The bottom part of it can be used as an additional tank for petrol.

Type: semi-automatic wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon-rare

Value for very good condition: ~$60.00 (approx €50.00)

Weight: 165 grams

Dimensions:

• height: 7.6 cm
• length: 7.7 cm
• width: 3.6 cm

FAQ: Ibelo Monopol, Care & Maintenance Manual, 1950s

This instruction leaflet was added to all "Monopol" pocket lighters made by Ibelo in the 1950s.

"Still lifes" postcards with table lighters, 1969

Here is a quite interesting series of three postcards designed and printed in West Germany between 1969 an 1971 by Krüger. The still life photos share similar elements, among others: flowers, alcohol, cigars/cigarettes and... lighters:

(1) Erhard (Schwäbisch Gmünd) und Consul gas table lighter produced since 1968.
(2) Esprit pocket lighter produced since 1950.
(3) Any ideas?

Mylflam - 1000 Zünder - table lighter Model 111, 1948

This table lighter Modell 111 was manufactured between 1948 and 1953 in Frankfurt am Mein in Germany by Mylflam Metallwaren GmbH. This semi-automatic petrol lighter was marketed in many different finishes like: silver, nickel plate, brass, lacquer, various types of leather etc. Below an example of the Mylflam Model 111 in nickel plate and mother of pearl finish.  

The wick lighter was generally made of brass. Marked on the underside of the base:

MYLFLAM 

The patented mechanism gave the owner the possibility to hand it over without extinguishing the flame. The table lighter was advertised as a "Present-article much in demand for offices, conference- and dwelling-rooms"

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare (depending on type of the finish)

Value for very good–mint condition: $80.00–160.00 (approx €70.00–140.00)

Weight: 230 grams

Dimensions:

• height: 7.4 cm
• width: 4.3 cm
• length: 8.9 cm

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")

Rowenta & Copeland Spode Table Lighter, 1963

Between 1963 and 1969 Rowenta co-working with the famous English pottery brand – Copeland Spode (England) manufactured a charming table lighter. The base of the lighter was made of ceramic and hand-painted with the Herring Hunt – "The Hunt" pattern. Thus every lighter is different.

Other thing which distinguishes the lighter is the sterling silver (.925) mounting made by Johann Franz Jr. Silberwarenfabrik in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany – marked 925 JF (see below) and weighing approx. 40 grams.

Matching ashtrays, cigarette holders, candle sticks and other tableware were also manufactured and sold by Copeland Spode in the 1960s.

The lighter insert Gas-Snip (model F 4626) was made by Rowenta Metallwarenfabrik GmbH in Offenbach am Main, Germany. It was patented in 1958 and produced on large scale in various finishes between 1959–1970. This particular insert was made of brass and silver plated. It is stamped: 

Rowenta Gas-Snip

GERMANY 

PAT.

The lighter base is round and marked on the bottom:

COPELAND

SPODE

ENGLAND

"OFF TO DRAW"

3

"THE HUNTSMAN"

6

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition:  $90–130.00 USD

Weight: 175 grams (0.38 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.5 cm (3")
• diameter: 6.2 cm (2.4")

ELDRO TANK [Drollinger] Silver Table Lighter, 1939

The ELDRO TANK wick table lighter was manufactured for a long period between 1939 and 1951 by Herman Else Drollinger Silber- und Metallwarenfabrik in Pforzheim, Germany. The company itself was active since 1925 till ca. 1978 and manufactured mainly metal- and silverware. Else Drollinger produced table and pocket lighters beyond its own ELDRO brand and also "Astro" for ZVG, "KW" for Karl Wieden and for other important German lighter manufacturers like Mylflam and Rowenta (mainly silver mantels).

This semi-automatic table lighter was available in different mantels made of solid silver (.835). The lighter base as well the lighter insert were made of brass and silver-plated. The bottom of the lighter base is padded with green felt.

Marked on the inside of the insert: 

ELDRO TANK
Pat. GMa

In 1951 the patent 815 272 was issued by the German Patent Office (Deutsches Patentamt). See below:

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $100.00–160.00 (approx €70.00–110.00)

Weight: 190 grams (0.42 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• width: 3.5 cm (1.38")
• length: 6.6 cm (2.6")

Ronson Noir Smoking Set, 1972

This smoking set was crafted in cooperation by Ronson and Rosenthal GmbH between 1972 and 1974 in West Germany. Ronson made the lighter insert and Rosenthal the porcelain base. Rosenthal is a famous German porcelain manufacturer. The company was established by Philipp Rosenthal in 1879 (now part of Sambonet Paderno). The products were first marked with the company name in 1907. Rosenthal produced many innovative designs under its higher end "Studio S Linie" brand.

The base of the lighter as well as the cigarette holder and ashtray are made of black porcelain finished in mat (only the top cover of the cigarette holder and the inside of the ashtray are made of glossy porcelain). The table lighter uses the Ronson round Varaflame gas fitment. It is chrome plated. Different finishes of the finger flame control are known. 

Marked on the bottom of the base:

Rosenthal 

PORCELAINE NOIRE

Wirkhelm

Studio S Line

Lighter insert marked:

RONSON (R)

MADE IN W. GERMANY

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition (set): $80.00–120.00 (approx €50.00–80.00)

Weight:

• lighter: 170 grams (0.37 pounds)
• cigarette holder: 175 grams (0.39 pounds)
• ashtray: 235 grams (0.52 pounds)

Dimensions:

Table lighter:

• height: 8.5 (3.35")
• diameter: 5.0 cm (1.97")

Cigarette holder:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.37")
• width: 9.3 cm (3.66")

Astray:

• height: 3.3 cm (1.3")
• length: 12 cm  (4.7")
• width: 9.0 cm (3.54")

Mylflam 1000 Zünder Diplomat Table Lighter, 1955

The 1000 Zünder Diplomat Table Lighter (model 590) was first  manufactured in 1955 in Frankfurt, Germany by the famous German company Mylflam. This automatic petrol lighter was  marketed in many different finishes like: silver/nickel plate, brass, various types of leather, (delivered by  Richard Maltner) etc. It was also commonly used for advertising purposes.

On the right we have an used example of the1000 Zünder Diplomat. It is made of brass and then nickel plated. For decoration purposes the base is manteled with silver (.835 purity) which is hammered and marked. See the Mylflam magazine advertisement below (source).

The wick lighter was generally made of brass. Marked on the underside of the base:

1000 Zünder
DIPLOMAT

The patented mechanism gave the owner the possibility to hand it over without extinguishing the flame.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare (depending on type of the finish/advertising)

Value for very good–mint condition: $40.00–150.00 (approx €30.00–110.00)

Weight: 160 grams (0.35 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.2 cm (3.19")
• width: 2.7 cm (1.06")
• length: 8.1 cm (3.7")

Ronson & Rosenthal, Harold Sitterle Lighter, 1954

This Ronson table lighter was manufactured in 1954 in a limited quantity. It is special because of the designer of the porcelain base – Harold Sitterle – famous American designer born in 1921. His works are now very collectible. Some of his (and his wife Trudi Sittelre) works – like the Pepper Mill, Ashtray, Salt Dish and Spoon – are in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

This tall petrol table lighter is made of white glazed Rosenthal porcelain with a mat black finish on the top or the other way round (other version). Two models were actually issued – the other one can be seen in this magazine advertisement. The original price tag: $32.50

This lighter was also available as a set including an ashtray (like a simple plate) also designed by Harold Sitterle.

Marked on the bottom of the porcelain base:

Rosenthal
SELB-PLOSSBERG
GERMANY
Fashioned for Ronson
Harold Sitterle

The lighter insert is a common Ronson Essex fitment with an additional leverage made of brass. The lighter insert is marked:

RONSON (R)
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.
U.S. PATENT 2.481.195

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $80.00–140.00 (approx €60.00–100.00)

Weight:

• 430 grams (0.95 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 21 cm (8.26")
• diameter: 10.7 cm (4.2")
  

Rowenta Table Lighter, 1940s

The Rowenta Table Lighter was the first cigarette lighter manufactured by Rowenta Werke in Offenbach, Germany. It was manufactured in the 1940s in Germany. This wick semi-automatic pertol lighter was  manufactured in many different finishes, like: sterling silver, chromium plate, nickel plate (see picture), various leather, engravements etc.

The wick lighter was generally made of brass and was padded with green felt. Marked on the underside of the base:

ROWENTA
D.R.P. for Pat.

D.R.P stands for Deutsches Reich Patent. Patented by Karl Maltner. The lighter mechanism is very efficient. To make it lit the rectangle button on the side has to be pushed.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare (depending on type of the finish/advertising)

Value for good–mint condition: $25.00–100.00 (approx €20.00–80.00)

Weight: 255 grams (0.56 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.4 cm (3.3")
• width: 4.2 cm (1.65")
• length: 9.4 cm (3.7")

KW 676 Golf Ball Table Lighter, 1938

This KW wick table lighter model 676 was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1938 in Solingen-Ohligs, Germany. The production ceased probably in the late 1950s. It is a light round figural lighter in the shape of a golf ball or a hand grenade. It was often used as a advertisement medium. 

This automatic table lighter was available in different finishes: solid silver, nickel / silver plated brass, enameled in different colors. The picture on the right shows a KW 676 made of brass and silver plated with a advertising label on one side: Berolina. The very characteristic semiautomatic KW lighter fitment is not removable and the base is not weighted. Marked on the bottom of the base: KW. The post war version of the lighter was marked: 

Fabrique d' Allemagne

Made in Germany

KW

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter insert: KW
Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for very good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $50.00–250.00 (approx €35.00–200.00)

Weight: 125 grams (0.44 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 5.3 cm (2.08")
• diameter: 5 cm (1.97")

KW Capri Table Lighter, 1951

This Capri wick table lighter was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1951 in Germany. The production ceased in the 1957. Later in 1958 it was replaced by the KW Capri gas lighter.

This automatic table lighter was available in different finishes: silver, nickel plated, leather covered, enamelled etc. The picture on the right shows a KW Capri made of German silver (nickel plate) in a silver sterling (.925) mantel. The base is not weighted. Marked on the side: 925 and on the bottom of the base: KW capri.

The removable lighter insert is a standard nickel plate KW Capri – a very efficient and durable mechanism.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter insert: KW KAWEE

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $45.00–120.00 (approx €30.00–85.00)

Weight: 183 grams (0.4 pounds)


Dimensions:

• height: 5.3 cm (2.08")
• width: 2.9 cm (1.14")
• length: 7.5 cm (2.95")

ALBO & KW Classic Table Lighter, 1953

This table lighter was made by Albert Bodemer Silberwarenfabrik GmbH (known as ALBO or AB) in cooperation with KW between 1953 and 1959 in Germany.

The Albert Bodemer Silberwarenfabrik GmbH was a typical hollowware manufacturer established in the 1940's in Keltern-Ellmendingen, Germany. It is still active today and run by the daughter of Albert Bodemer who invented all the patterns and forms. The lighter inserts were provided by several German lighter manufacturers, like KW or Augusta Zünder – today only the BIC company is their supplier (butane lighters).

The rounded openwork has a floral design accompanied by two angels and a field for a monogram in the middle. The openwork was made of silver in different purities: 800, 835 and 925 grade of silver. Marked on the side: ALBO. Marked on the bottom of the base: KW Classic.

The lighter insert was provided by KW (Karl Wieden) a known German lighter manufacturer who produced lighter since 1905 till 1980 in Solingen Ohligs, Germany. It is made of brass and is nickel plated. The lighter insert model is KW Classic and it is based on the Theodor Ruetz system patent.

The picture above presents a petrol (wick) lighter. A butane gas lighter in the same shape was introduced in the early 1960s.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $70.00–110.00 (approx €50.00–80.00)

Weight: 178 grams (0.39 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.2 cm (2.4")
• length: 7.3 cm (2.9")
• width:  3.2 cm (1.3")

Rosenthal Marktredwitz Electric Table Lighter, 1946

The Rosenthal Marktredwitz Table Lighter was made in the second half of the 1940s, perhaps in the year 1946 by Rosenthal Porzellan AG in Marktredwitz, Germany (U.S. occupied zone). Previously the fabric was called "Porzellanfabrik Thomas & Ens" and was founded in 1904 by Fritz Thomas. But only five years later, the porcelain factory, by then called "F. Thomas, Marktredwitz", was acquired by Rosenthal and since then it was a Rosenthal's Division.

The table lighter has an electric filament (manufacturer unknown) and a push-button mechanism. When the button on the left is pushed the coiled element on the top glows. It was only made in the 110/220 volt version they were used at home and in public places. They were connected to the electrical source via cable. The body of the electrical lighter is made of Rosethal's porcelain lacquered in brown and white. On the front one can see an oriental picture.

Marked on the bottom:

Marktredwitz

GERMANIA

US ZONE

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $60.00–75.00 (approx €40.00–50.00)

Weight: 250 grams (0,55 pounds), without cable

Dimensions:

• height: 9.0 cm (3.5") 
• diameter: 7.0 cm (2.8") 

Gebrüder Köllisch, Consul Arlac, 1963

This Consul Arlac table lighter was made in 1963 by Gebrüder Köllisch A.G. The company was situated in Nürnberg, West Germany. The first Consul table lighter was introduced in 1952 and the company prospered well till 1971/1972 when it was acquired by the giant Braun.  

The Arlac model is a butane gas and flint lighter. It has its flame control switch on the top. The cover is made of black plastic and the rest is made of brass with gold plating. A nice decorative table lighter. Please notice that in the picture above the lighter lies on its beg. 

Marked on the face: Arlac Consul.


What is interesting almost the same design was applied for a Brown and Bigelow Lighter which was marked Remembrance. The size was exactly the same as in Consul Arlac.

Scarcity: uncommon-rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $55.00–70.00 (approx €35.00–45.00)

Weight: 235 grams (0,52 pounds)

Dimensions:

• length: 14.9 cm (5.9") 
• width: 6.6 cm (2.6") 
• height: 3.6 cm (1.4")

KW 650 G, ca. 1935

The KW type 650 G was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1935 in Germany. The production of this type ceased in 1953. It was a very successful and robust semi-automatic table lighter produced in various finishes.

The pictures on the right presents an example of the KW 650 G. Its body is covered with a thin layer of black paint in which a picture of a horse is scratched out.

The KW 650 G was available also in other finishes: silver, silver plate and gold plate.

The removable lighter insert is a standard nickel plate KW in normal size. There were also available smaller units in the size 3/4 and 1/2 of the normal KW (see dimensions).

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter base:

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $100.00–400.00 (approx €55.00–220.00)

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")

KW Capri H, 1958

This Capri table lighter was first manufactured by Karl Wieden (KW) in 1958 in Germany. The production ceased in the early 1960s. It was one of the first gas (butane) lighters made by KW. It had a very simplistic angular design.

This automatic table lighter was available in different finishes: silver, nickel plated etc. The picture on the right shows a KW Capri in a rectangle openwork base in floral design. On both sides a monogram shield was present (see picture). The base of the lighter was made of 800 grade of silver. The base is not weighted. Marked on the side: 800 H.

The removable lighter insert is a standard nickel plate KW Capri.

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Marked on the underside of the lighter insert: KW KAWEE
Scarcity: rare

Value for good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $75.00–300.00 (approx €55.00–220.00)

Weight: 280 grams (0,31 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.36")
• width: 3.3 cm (1.3")
• length: 7.7 cm (3.03")

BeBe 100, 1947

This beautiful and massive semi-automatic table lighter with 'on' and 'off' buttons (look pictures below) was manufactured by Bruchhaus & Baltrusch (BeBe) between 1947 and 1951 in Germany. It is made of brass and is nickel plated.

The bas-relief is made of silver and marked on the side with German hallmarks and the silver purity mark 800. The sleeve is depicting a scene of a wedding party. This table lighter remains some of the Mylflam models with silver sleeves depicting among others tavern or fest scenes.

The BeBe 100 was also seen in other finishes: fully nickeled and enameled.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the lighter insert (base):

BeBe 100
GERMANY
D.R.PATENT

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $90.00–180.00 (approx €65.00–130.00)

Weight: 360 grams (0,79 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.0 cm (3.1")
• length: 10.6 cm (4,2")
• width: 4.0 cm (1,6")

Ronson Varaflame Victoria, 1964

The Ronson Varaflame Victoria was manufactured in W. Germany in 1964. It is the only Ronson table lighter made of solid silver (800) next to the Jubilee Set (925, sterling).

The removable lighter insert – the Varaflame – is partly chromium-plated and silver-plated. It has a fingertip flame control finished with a blue Swarovski crystal. Marked on the underside: Ronson (R) MADE IN W. GERMANY PATENTED.

The base of the lighter is weighted and marked on the underside of the base on green felt:

Ronson (R)
SOLID SILVER
VICTORIA

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $120.00–150.00 (approx €90.00–110.00)

Weight: 210 grams (0,46 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.6 cm (3.78")
• diameter: 7.2 cm (2.8")