Ronson Savoy Gold Table Lighter, 1953-1954

The Ronson Savoy wick table lighter was made between 1953-1954 in Newark, New Jersey, USA by Ronson. It is a lighter with a very appealing design in heavy 24K gold plate. It was the most expensive table lighter mass-produced by Ronson ($19.50) at that time.  

The lighter mechanism was used since 1936 when the Ronson Decanter and Puritan were first introduced. Below an illustration of the lighter models 'Decanter' and 'Savoy' from the 1954 Ronson catalog.

The lighter base is padded with a light green felt trim and marked:

Ronson (R)

Newark, N.J. U.S.A.

U.S. Patent 2,481,195

(R)

Ronson

SAVOY

Type: automatic wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $240.00–350.00 (approx €200.00–300.00)

Weight: 331 grams

Dimensions:

    height: 11.5 cm
    diameter: 5.6 cm

Petit point dressing table lighter, 1955

This unusual dressing table lighter was made by 'REGENT of London' between 1955 and 1959 in London, England. The gold-tone brass lighter base is pierced and has floral petit point needlework panels (tent stitch embroidery). The structure of the lighter base is made of wood. The design of the case is marked:

REG. DESIGN NO 876990
Made in England (not always present)

Unfortunately the registered design cannot be obtained online although the design itself was registered between March and June of 1955 and is held physically in the National Archive in Kew, Richmond in England. One more design of this lighter is know to exist (based on a rectangle) but is rare.

The wick lighter insert is made of brass, no markings are available.

The table lighter was sold alone or in a vanity set comprising of an matching alarm clock, candlesticks, rectangular  musical trinket box, powder box with mirror lid but also a dressing table tray, hair brush, mirror and manicure set with stand and perfume bottle (not pictured).

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: 30–40.00 USD (approx €25.00–35.00)

Weight: 230 grams

Dimensions:

• height: 5.8 cm
• width: 4.9 cm
• length: 7.9 cm

eBay: Thorens Dog Desk Lighter, 1929

A beautiful Thorens Table/Desk Lighter was recently sold on eBay for a modest $350. The auction received 27 bids from 18 bidders. The wick desk lighter is a rare piece coming from the late 1920s. The lighter insert is a Thorens 'single claw' type that was manufactured between 1918 and 1935 in Switzerland. The gold-plated base of the lighter is very unusual - a Scottie dog is leaning against a column. Perfect design! 

And here some additional photos from the seller.

Dunhill "Baby Sylph" Cigarette Lighter, 1949

Alfred Dunhill ltd. manufactured between 1948 and 1954 one of the smallest fully working and for sure most exclusive lighters in the world. The so called "Baby Sylph" was marketed in solid silver, silver electroplate or gold plate. The lighter showed below has a reeded decoration. The original is stamped "Dunhill" and "Made in England". It has many reproductions which are cheap imitations made in Japan in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $400.00–800.00 (approx €300.00–600.00)

Weight: 31 g (1oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 2.2 cm
• length: 1.5 cm
• depth: 1.1 cm

Ronson Penciliter, 1948

This second generation of the Ronson Penciliter was manufactured between 1948 and ca. 1957 in the USA. As the predecessor it was a combination of a one-motion wick lighter and super-fine propel-repel mechanical pencil. It was made in plenty of various finishes (and textures):

1. Rhodium plated engine-turned, model no. 48701 (common),
2. 1/20 14 K. gold filled engine-turned, model no. 48902 (common) see picture below,
3. Chromium plated engine-turned, model no. 53141 (uncommon),
4. Chromium/rhodium plated with ebony enamel, model no. 53445 (uncommon),
5. Chromium/rhodium plated with burgundy enamel, model no. 53442 (uncommon),
6. Chromium/rhodium plated with blue enamel, model no. 53443 (rare).

The removable pencil unit contains an eraser and a compartment for spare leads.The Penciliter was a huge success in England and the U.S.

Marked on the the top of the lighter body:

RONSON "PENCILITER"
XXXXX (for instance: 1/20 14 K. gold filled)

We owe the streamline design of the "combined lighter and writing implement" to Frederick Kaupmann. Below an illustration derived from the patent no. 151,771 presenting side views, taken from different angles, of the penciliter. The design was patented in the United States Patent Office on the 16^th of November, 1947.

The Penciliter was advertised in Life magazine in 1949 in these words: for father’s day, June 19th give dad the new Ronson Penciliter. always at hand…. to light with... to write with!…. It’s a really new and different gift for Dad! The world’s finest lighter and a superb mechanical pencil are combined in the handsome Ronson Penciliter. It’s finely balanced… it’s streamlined… it’s always at hand for the two things he does most - lighting (press -it’s lit… release -it’s out)… and writing. He’ll constantly use... constantly thank you for the new Ronson Penciliter! Your choice of two styles in a handsome gift box 1/20 14K Gold filled $15.00 (plus tax); plated with Rhodium (a precious non-tarnishing metal of the platinum group) $10.00 (no fed. tax)

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: common–rare

Value for good–mint condition: $50.00–120.00 (approx €40.00–80.00)

Weight: 47 grams (0.1 pound)

Dimensions:

• width: 1.7 cm (0.7")
• length: 14.4 cm (5.7")

 PS. The first generation of the Ronson Penciliter manufactured between 1935 and 1948 was described here.

Dunhill Sylph Letter Opener/Lighter, 1958

The Dunhill 'Sylph' Letter Opener/Lighter was manufactured between 1958 and 1961 in England. This lift arm wick lighter is a combination of the smallest Dunhill 'Sylph Ruler' (handle) and a letter opener blade. It was produced in two finishes: silver plate and gold plate. The handle was made of brass and was available plated with a monogram shield or covered with pig skin colored in red or brown.

Marked on the bottom of the handle:

SYLPH
dunhill

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition (depends on finish): $350.00–450.00 (approx €260.00–370.00)

Weight: coming soon

Dimensions:

• height: 1.0 cm (0.4")
• width: 2.0 cm (0.8")
• length: 22.0 cm (8.5")

S.T. Dupont Cylinder Table Lighter, 1971

The S.T. Dupont Cylinder Table Lighter model is a modern example of a luxury gas cigarette lighter made in France. It was marketed since 1971 around the world and discontinued probably in 1997. It had a three year guarantee and came in a red giftbox. 

The lighter is electroplated in 18 karat gold and covered in black Chinese lack. It was also available only in gold or silver plate finish. 

Turn the gold plated hand wheel to the left and the flame appears. You migh also change the shape of the flame when the top is open. On the bottom there is the gas filler and the height controler.

This Dupont butane table lighter is marked on the bottom as well on the front of the hand wheel: 

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for mint condition: $300-500

Weight: 515 grams (1.35 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.9 cm (4.3")
• diameter: 4.4 cm (1.73")

S.T. Dupont, Diamond Head Table Lighter, 1995

The S.T. Dupont Diamond Head Table Lighter model (catalogue no. 27211) is a modern example of a luxury gas cigarette lighter made in France. It was marketed since 1995 around the world and discontinued in 1999. It had a three year guarantee and was something between a pocket lighter and table lighter. 

The lighter is heavily electroplated in 18 karat gold and was also available in silver plate finish. Both had the iconic Diamond Head pattern. Not many of them were actualy manufactured and sold which might be explained taking into account the very high price. The quality of this lighter is high though it does not fully justify the price which was above $1250. The construction as well the size does remind on the 1975 S.T. Dupont "Line I" model which was available also in gold plate and additionally in tortoise enamel.

This Dupont has a typical rollalite mechanism used since the 1940s in different brands. It is a tall and slim lighter marked on the bottom: 

S.T. Dupont

PARIS

MADE IN FRANCE

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for mint condition: $700.00 (approx €500.-)

Weight: 215 grams (0.47 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.4 cm (4.88")
• width: 3.7 cm (1.46")
• depth: 1.1 cm (0.43")

Ronson Lotus Table Lighter, 1953

The Ronson Lotus was manufactured in 1953–1957 in Newark, New Jersey, USA and also in London, England. It is a solid oval-shaped petrol (wick) lighter and it is a perfect example of the Art Deco style. It was available in three finishes:

• gold plate (24K) with black enamel,
  
• chrome plate with black enamel (see picture on the right),
  
• silver plate combined with satin silver plate (see picture on the bottom).

This table lighter was based on the Adonis fitment. The base is padded with green or black felt. Only the silver plate finish is protected by a transparent lacquer.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the bottom:

BRIT. PAT. 621570
OTHER PATS. PEND
RONSON
REG. TRADE MARK
LOTUS
MADE IN ENGLAND

or

RONSON
NEWARK N.J. U.S.A.
U.S. PATENT 2,481,195
LOTUS

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $60.00–100.00 (approx €40.00–70.00)

Weight: 310 grams (0,68 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 5.6 cm (2.2")
• length: 8.0 cm (3.15")
• width: 4.6 cm (1.8")

Evans & Napier, Golden Apple, 1951

The Napier Company is considered to be the oldest fashion jewelery manufacturer in the United States. The Napier's history can be tracked back to 1875 though the name 'Napier Company' was adopted in 1922 and since than the mark Napier in block has been used till its takeover by Victoria & Co in the late 1980's. The Napier company was finally closed by Victoria & Co in 1999.

Napier cooperated with Evans in the late 1940's and 1950's. They made together very fine examples of modern craftsmanship. One of its creation is the Golden Apple manufactured in the 1951. Evans provided the lighter fitment which is gold-plated and Napier Co. made its shelter in the shape of an apple.

The brushed gold plate finish looks and feels good and durable. An interesting collectors' item made with taste. This lighter was also available in different shapes (ball, apple - look at Evans & Napier, American Eagle) and handles. The base is marked NAPIER, there is also a sticker GOLD PLATE.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $55.00–100.00 (approx €40.00–75.00)

Weight: 205 grams (0,45 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.5 cm (3.4")
• width: 7.0 cm (2.75")
• depth: 7.0 cm (2.75")

Ronson Newport Table Lighter, 1947

The Ronson Newport was first manufactured in 1947 and the production went on till the late 1950's. This wick lighter was available in three different finishes: silver plate, gold plate and rhodium plate which is rare. Also sold as a pair.

The pattern used at the bottom of the base is very similar to that used in the Ronson Juno table lighter. The Newport has an elliptical base which is padded with green felt. It is heavy and covered with a transparent lacquer in order to avoid tarnishing.

A Japanese knock-off was made by Royal Star only in chromium plate in the 1950s.  

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the bottom:

RONSON
TRADE MARK
MADE IN ENGLAND
BRIT. PAT. 621570
RONSON
NEWPORT
N

 or

RONSON (R)
NEWARK.N.J.U.S.A.
U.S.PATENT RE.NO.19023
CANADA PATS.-288,148-289889
RONSON
"NEWPORT"
TRADE MARK

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for good–mint condition: $40–100 (approx. €30–80)

Weight: 220 grams (0.49 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.7 cm (3.0")
• width: 5.3 cm (2.1")
• depth: 3.5 cm (1.4")

Evans Windsor Table Lighter, 1949

The production of this fully automatic cigarette lighter started in 1949 and finished in 1956. Evans Windsor has a chased design available in gleaming silver and gold electroplate finish (model no. 84J29). This wick lighter has very often minor abrasions on the plated surface even if it is boxed and new (old stock). The lighter is padded with green felt.

Marked on the bottom:

U.S. PAT.
RE.19023
EVANS

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: 122 zł ($40.00)–60.00 (approx 124 zł (€30.00)–45.00)

Weight: 100 grams (0.22 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.7 cm (3.0")
• width: 5.6 cm (2.2")
• depth: 3.5 cm (1.4")

Evans Magic Lamp Table Lighter, 1951

This automatic cigarette table (desk) lighter has two different names. In the Evans catalog one can find the name "Magic Lamp" as well "The Famous Magic Lamp". It was made between 1951 and 1956 in the United States.

It was available in two different finishes: gold and silver electroplate. This wick lighter has very often abrasions on the plated surface even if it is boxed and new, see picture. The lighter is padded with green felt.

Marked on the bottom:

US. PAT 
RE. 19023
EVANS

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $45.00–90.00 (approx €33.00–66.00)

Weight: 150 grams (0,33 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.4")
• width: 11.0 cm (4.3")
• depth: 7.7 cm (3.0")

Evans & Napier, American Eagle, 1950

The Napier Company is considered to be the oldest fashion jewelery manufacturer in the United States. The Napier's history can be tracked back to 1875 though the name 'Napier Company' was adopted in 1922 and since than the mark Napier in block has been used till its takeover by Victoria & Co in the late 1980's. The Napier company was finally closed by Victoria & Co in 1999.

Napier cooperated with Evans in the 1940's and 1950's. They made together very fine examples of modern craftsmanship. One of its creation is the American Eagle manufactured in the 1950. Evans provided the lighter fitment which is gold-plated and Napier Co. made its shelter in the shape of an egg. On the top of it the American Eagle is sitting. The Eagle is used as a handle for opening the lid of the egg which reveals a concealed Evans wick lighter.

The brushed gold plate finish looks and feels good and durable. An interesting collectors' item made with taste. This lighter was also available in different shapes (ball, apple) and handles. The base is marked NAPIER, there is also a sticker GOLD PLATE.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $55.00–100.00 (approx €40.00–75.00)

Weight: 240 grams (0,53 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.5 cm (3.7")
• width: 7.0 cm (2.75")
• depth: 7.0 cm (2.75")

Evans & Stylebuilt Accessories, Angel, 1955

Stylebuilt Accessories Ltd. (New York) in cooperation with Evans presented in 1955 a very beautiful lighter. Evans delivered the lighter insert and Stylbuilt prepared the base. Stylebuilt is a family operated company which exists on the market for more than 75 years. It is famous for producing fine traditional handcrafted gift-ware and luxury bath accessories. Everything they made has a unique style, including this wick table lighter. The quantity of this lighter is not exactly known though it did not excess 500 pieces which makes it very sought after.

The rounded base has a dainty flower design and the high lights are two angels which are holding the globe. It is made from a silver metal covered with a very thin layer of gold-paint.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the underside of the base:

STYLEBUILT

N.Y.
ACCESSORIES

Writing on the bottom of the lighter:

EVANS USA

Scarcity: very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $440.00–760.00 (approx €340.00–590.00)

Weight: 175 grams (0,39 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.5 cm (2.9")
• width: 6.4 cm (2.5")
• depth: 6.4 cm (2.2")