United & Clearfloat 'Fish Alive' Table Lighter, 1954

The United "Fish Alive" table lighter was manufactured between 1954 and 1956 in the United States by United Findings Co Inc. This wick lighter is a typical example of the industrial use of the clear float technology (based on the idea of inclusion) which was very popular in the 1950s in the U.S.

The base of the lighter is made of clear float lucite which is a transparent thermoplastic commonly known as plexiglas. Within the lucite is a realistic "Fish Alive" or "Fishing" theme with a fish, sand, pearl, sea shells, fish hook and plants. 

The lighter insert is removable and covered with a gold-tone lacquer. Marked on the underside:

MADE IN U.S.A.
UNITED
PAT. 2,723,547

The lucite base is signed Clearfloat TM on the bottom.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $45.00–60.00 (approx 30.00–45.00)

Weight: 200 grams (6 ³/₄ oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.5 cm (3.74")
• width: 6.3 cm (2.48")
• depth: 4.8 cm (1.89")

United, Bovano Cheshire Table Lighter 1957

The United Bovano Cheshire Automobile table lighter was manufactured in 1957 United States by United Findings Co. Inc. and Bovano of Cheshire, Connecticut. 

The wick lighter insert was provided by United. The colorful handy base was however crafted by Bovano of Cheshire which started its business in 1952 and which is still active today. The company was founded by Bonsignor, Van Leight and Noden. It is designing and hand crafting high quality wall and table sculptures using powdered glass fused to small copper plates and glass.

The lighter base is hand  enameled (pulverized glass) in three different colors using a delicate sprinkling method layered over solid copper and then kiln fired which makes the base look vitreous and noble.

The lighter insert is removable and covered with a gold-tone lacquer. Marked on the underside:

MADE IN U.S.A.
UNITED
PAT. 2,723,547

The base is padded with brown felt. A gold sticker is attached to it:

HANDCRAFTED

BY

Bovano

OF CHESHIRE

CONN.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $30.00–45.00 (approx €20.00–30.00)

Weight: 180 grams (0.4 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• diamater: 6.0 cm (2.36")