Alessi SG18 AZ "Bruce" Table Lighter, 1999

The Alessi SG18 AZ also called "Bruce" the Dinosaur Table Lighter was manufactured by Alessi between 1999 and 2003 in Italy. This modern gas lighter was available in three different colors: blue, orange and green. It is made of plastic with a chrome plated face. The "Bruce" Dinosaur lighter uses commonly available disposable butane lighters to work. To turn on the Dinosaur lighter you have to press his tummy.

The lighter was designed by Stefano Giovannoni, an Italian designer and architect born in 1954 in La Spezia, Italy. He designed some products mainly for Alessi but also for Fiat, Siemens, Henkel and Lavazza.

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for mint condition: $25.00–35.00 (approx €20.00–30.00)

Weight: 140 grams (5 oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 22 cm (8¾")
• width: 10 cm (4")

What is the most expensive table lighter in the world? St. Dupont

If your are looking for the most expensive modern table lighter in the world than you should go visit St. Dupont which is known for its luxury creations. This St. Dupont Second Empire Diamonds Line 2 (model 016026) is a limited edition lighter – only 28 pieces were released worldwide in 2012. Each lighter is individually numbered.

The lighter is covered with white solid gold (27 grams) added parts and 222 white diamonds. It has a black & gray lacquer finish and is packaged in a custom second empire lacquer box.

The price tag? Modest $38,000. One is available at eBay right now.

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")

Ronson American Classic Table Lighter, modern example

The Ronson 'American Classic' Table Lighter is a modern example of the table lighters manufactured these days. It was manufactured between the year 2001 and 2003 in China and distributed mainly by Ronson in Italy and the USA. This table lighter has a bronze antique finish with a floral pattern. The base is padded with black velvet.

The removable lighter insert – the Ronson Whale – is the successor of the  Ronson Varaflame Windmaster which was also equipped with a wind housing. This butane lighter insert has a typical flint ignition and the flame can be controlled. Only the lighter insert is marked: RONSON Whale. 

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for mint condition: $45.00 (approx €30.00)

Weight: 395 grams (0,87 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.6 cm (3.4")
• width: 7.1 cm (2.8")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.2")
  

Zippo Handilite, 1979

The Zippo Handylite was introduced in 1979. It was manufactured in various finishes till 1999 in Bradford, United States. This table lighter is a simple combination of a traditional Zippo pocket lighter and an attachable pedestal base.

It was available among others in (see picture below):

• Brush Chrome, no. 200H,
• High Polish Gold Electroplate, no. 250GH,
• Regular Black Matte with Horse, no. 218H-HG,
• High Polish Gold Electroplate with Bighorn Sheep (Ram), no. 250GH-RM,
• High Polish Gold Electroplate with Snoozin' Camel.

The lighter can be removed from the pedestal (which could be purchased separately) and used as a normal Zippo pocket lighter. Most regular size Zippo lighters are adaptable to Handilite. The lighter base is padded with black felt and it is marked:  

ZIPPO (R) 

Bradford, PA USA

See also the Zippo Handilite magazine advertisement.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good-mint condition: $34.00–125.00 (approx €60.00–65.00)

Weight: 200 grams (0.44 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.1 cm (3.6")
• diameter: 3.8 cm (1.5")

Zippo Lady Barbara, Classic Antique 1997

The Zippo Lady Barbara was first released as a 65th Anniversary model lighter in 1997 - it had an etched 65th Anniversary logo on the front (see picture). Lady Barbara was manufactured in three different finishes till 2003 in Bradford, United States. The Lady Barbara Classic Antique has a silver plate antique finish and was manufactured between 1998-2003 and it replicated the classic 1949-51 Zippo Lady Bradford design. Beside the Anniversary model and the Classic Antique model there is a Camel model with a etched Camel logo on the front.

This modern antiqued silver plate lighter can be removed from the Lady Barbara pewter base and used as a normal Zippo pocket lighter. The base is padded with black felt and it is marked: ZIPPO (R) Bradford, PA USA.

This Zippo might be a classic though it looks awkward and feels quite cheap.

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: common

Value for mint condition: $90.00–100.00 (approx €60.00–65.00)

Weight: 276 grams (0.61 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.2 cm (3.23")
• width: 5.2 cm (2.05")
• depth: 2.7 cm (1.06")

Below the product page of the 65th Anniversary Zippo Table Lighter from the German Zippo Collection Catalog 1997/1998 Classics/Selects.