Advert: New ASR Pocket Lighter, 1948

A full page black&white ASR magazine advertisement published in LIFE Magazine on 31st May 1948. It depicts the new American Safety Razor pocket lighter available in rhodium finish and in silver sterling. 

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.

Zippo Moderne, 1960

The Zippo Moderne Table Lighter was first manufactured in 1960, next to the Zippo Corinthian desk-top lighter, in Bradford, Pennsylvania in the United States. Both the Moderne and Corinthian were discontinued in 1966 though they were marketed till 1967. It is worth to mention that in this period Zippo marketed three different models of table lighters: Zippo Moderne, Zippo Corinthian and Zippo Barcroft.

The Zippo Moderne was available in three finishes:

• black and rhodium (no. 1310), 
• bright rhodium (no. 1315),
• satin rhodium (no. 1320). 

All three were selling for the same price of $12.50. It might be interesting to know that during the time of production the Zippo Moderne has changed a little bit. The face lifting was connected with rounding the edge of the pedestal which was till 1963 more sharp.

The slim removable lighter insert unit was also used in the Zippo Corinthian. The base is padded with black felt and marked: ZIPPO (R). The Zippo lighter insert is also marked: 

ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA.

MADE IN ZIPPO U.S.A.

PAT. 2517191 (R) PAT. PENDING

or (later version)

ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA.

MADE IN ZIPPO U.S.A.

PAT. 2517191 (R) PAT. 2940286

Type: wick (petrol) lighter 

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $100.00–150.00 (approx €70.00–100.00)

Weight: 240 grams (0.53 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• diameter: 5.8 cm (2.3")

Zippo Corinthian Table Lighter, 1960

The Zippo Corinthian Table Lighter was first manufactured in 1960 next to the Zippo Moderne desk-top lighter in Bradford, Pennsylvania in the United States. Both the Moderne and Corinthian were discontinued in 1966 though they were marketed till 1967. This is the best looking table lighter produced so far by Zippo. It has a delicate shape of an urn which makes it quite handy. The Zippo Corinthian was available in three finishes:

• bright rhodium (no. 1710), 
• turquoise and rhodium (no. 1715),
• pearlescent rhodium (no. 1720). 

All were selling for the same price of $16.50 but only two had a delicate high-fired enamel (in turquoise and pearlescent color). The 1960s were the only period in the history when Zippo marketed three different models of table lighters (see picture on the left: Zippo Moderne, Zippo Corinthian and Zippo Barcroft).

The slim lighter insert is removable and was also used in the Zippo Moderne. The base of the lighter is padded with black felt and marked: ZIPPO (R). The Zippo lighter insert is also marked: 

ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA.

MADE IN ZIPPO U.S.A.

PAT. 2517191 (R)

Type: wick (petrol) lighter 

Scarcity: uncommon-rare


Value for very good–mint condition: $100.00–160.00 (approx €85.00–140.00)

Weight: 220 grams (0.49 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.5 cm (4.0")
• diameter: 5.9 cm (2.3")

A.S.R. Classic Table Lighter, 1949

The 'Classic' (model no. 1250 T) was manufactured in 1949 by the American Safety Razor Co. in the United States (Brooklyn, New York).  This model was available only in gleaming rhodium finish.

The look of the table lighter refers to the Arts and Crafts Movement. The A·S·R 'Classic' was marketed in a silver presentation box. The base of the lighter is padded with green felt. It is marked on the base:

A·S·R
(R)

LIGHTER

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. APP. FOR
MADE IN U.S.A.

One of the advertisement published in the "Life" magazine in 1949 says about this product: "A·S·R 'Classic' Table Lighter in luxurious Rhodium finish. Won't tarnish, can be machine engraved. Great fuel capacity and all other distinctive A·S·R features."

Scarcity: uncommon

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

Weight: 290 grams (0,64 pounds)

Dimensions:

• length: 7.9 cm (3.11")
• width: 4.4 cm (1.73")
• height: 6.6 cm (2.6")

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")