Negbaur Table Top Lighter, 1949

The Negbaur Table Top Lighter was manufactured between 1949 and 1950 in Allbright, New York in the United States. This table lighter had a heavy white alloy metal housing and was available in two finishes: chrome plate (common) and cooper plate (uncommon). The form of this lighter as well the mechanism were quite primitive as for that period. The biggest attitude of this cigarette lighter was it low price.

The lighter body was designed by Herman Treiss. 

This lighter was not much a success though one must remember that Negbaur made some fantastic table lighters in the shape of a golf bag, plane, knight and even canons in the earlier years (1930s and 1940s).

Marked on the bottom of the base:

PAT.

PEND.

NEGBAUR

N.Y.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: common–uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $20.00–35.00 (approx €15.00–25.00)

Weight: 270 grams (0,59 pounds)

Dimensions:

• length: 7.6 cm (3")
• width: 6.3 cm (2 1/2")
• height: 6.3 cm (2 1/2")

A.S.R. Heritage Set, 1949

The "Heritage" Set was manufactured between 1949 and 1953 by the American Safety Razor Co in the United States (Brooklyn, New York). The set consists of a lighter, cigarette holder and a tray. It was available in gleaming copper and rhodium finish or solid brass. A very original set due to its unusual design and the black bakelite handles.

The lighter as well the cigarette urn are standing on three legs which are padded with green felt. They are marked on the bottom:

ASR (R)
MADE IN
U.S.A.

The lighter insert has an automatic 'Light-Switch Action' and stays lit without holding. It is marked:

A.S.R. CORP.
315 JAY ST.
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
PATENT D-146973
-
PAT. RE. 23,207
MADE IN U.S.A.

The tray is unmarked. It is relatively light and engraved with different flourish patterns.

One of the advertisement published in the Times in 1950 says about this set: "Decorators say it's the last word in table touches for living room, library or den! This magnificent A.S.R. 'Heritage' Table Lighter is at home in any setting, traditional or modern. And what a wonderfully different lighter it is! No other like it. Only the 'Heritage' has a handle! You can actually serve a light!"

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition (set): $85.00–150.00 (approx €60.00–110.00)

Weight: tray – 132 grams (0,29 pounds), cigarette urn – 152 grams (0,34 pounds), lighter – 170 grams (0,37 pounds)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• width: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")

2. Tray

• height: 1.2 cm (0.47")
• width: 23.5 cm (9.25")
• depth: 17.0 cm (6.7")

3. Cigarette holder

• height: 5.5 cm (2.17")
• width: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.17")

Ronson Regal, 1957

This Ronson Regal is the second table lighter which Ronson give the Regal name to - see the other Ronson Regal. This handy wick lighter was first introduced in the U.S. market in 1957. It was available in two different finishes: chrome and cooper plate.

The wick lighter has a very extraordinary swirl design and an Essex fitment. It has an oval base which is padded with green felt.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the underside:

Ronson (R)
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.
U.S. PATENTS
2.481.195 & 2.715.329
(R)
Ronson
REGAL

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $35.00–65.00 (approx €25.00–50.00)

Weight: 325 grams (0,72 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 5.5 cm (2.2")
• width: 8.3 cm (3.3")
• depth: 5.0 cm (2.0")