Rowenta & Copeland Spode Table Lighter, 1963

Between 1963 and 1969 Rowenta co-working with the famous English pottery brand – Copeland Spode (England) manufactured a charming table lighter. The base of the lighter was made of ceramic and hand-painted with the Herring Hunt – "The Hunt" pattern. Thus every lighter is different.

Other thing which distinguishes the lighter is the sterling silver (.925) mounting made by Johann Franz Jr. Silberwarenfabrik in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany – marked 925 JF (see below) and weighing approx. 40 grams.

Matching ashtrays, cigarette holders, candle sticks and other tableware were also manufactured and sold by Copeland Spode in the 1960s.

The lighter insert Gas-Snip (model F 4626) was made by Rowenta Metallwarenfabrik GmbH in Offenbach am Main, Germany. It was patented in 1958 and produced on large scale in various finishes between 1959–1970. This particular insert was made of brass and silver plated. It is stamped: 

Rowenta Gas-Snip

GERMANY 

PAT.

The lighter base is round and marked on the bottom:

COPELAND

SPODE

ENGLAND

"OFF TO DRAW"

3

"THE HUNTSMAN"

6

Type: butane (gas) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition:  $90–130.00 USD

Weight: 175 grams (0.38 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.5 cm (3")
• diameter: 6.2 cm (2.4")

Early American Trio Lighter Set, 1946

This lighter set called "Early American Trio by Davis" was made in the late 1940s in the United States. It contains two cast iron ashtrays (wheelbarrow ash tray & coal scuttle ash tray) and a plastic table lighter (lantern cigarette lighter). All parts have a painted flower design on a rich black background.

The lighter is stamped on the bottom:

MADE IN U.S.A

13

The lighter insert is a simple wick and wheel type lighter made of brass. It is not marked.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for very good–mint condition (set): 135 zł–60.00 (approx 125 zł–45.00)

Weight:

• lighter – 70 g (2 3/8 oz)
• set – 455 g (1 lb)

Dimensions of the lighter:

• height (with handle): 13.0 cm (5.1")
• diameter: 5.5 cm (2.2")

Ronson Scandia Table Lighter, 1955

The Scandia Table Lighter was first manufactured by Rosenthal and Ronson in 1955 in Newark, N.J. U.S.A. The base of the lighter is made of white China porcelain (Rosenthal) and dark rosewood. It was marketed in the United States separate and in a set with a matching cigarette holder.
 

 
Golden foil label on the bottom of base is marked:

SCANDIA
FASHIONED BY RONSON

CHINA BY
ROSENTHAL

The small chromium plate lighter "Essex" insert is marked:

RONSON (R)
NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.
U.S. PATENTS
2,481,195 & 2,715,329

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $50.00–75.00 (approx €40.00–60.00)

Weight: 135 grams (4 5/8 oz)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.6 cm (3.4")
• diameter: 5.8 cm (2.3")

Worcester & Evans English Pewter Lighter Set, 1951

The Worcester English Pewter Table Lighter Set was marketed by Worcester Silver Co. and made in 1951 in Sheffield, England. The set consists of a silver plated wick lighter shaped of tankard and matching cigarette holder. 

The lighter insert was provided by Evans (USA). It is made of brass and is silver electroplated. Marked on the bottom: EVANS USA

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Both marked on the bottom:

English Pewter 

Made in Sheffield 

England

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition (set): $80.00–120.00 (€60–90)

Weight:

• lighter – 130 grams (4 1/2 oz)
• cigarette urn – 53 grams (1 7/8 oz)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 7.3 cm (2.9")
• diameter: 5.2 cm (2")

2. Cigarette holder

• height: 5 cm (2")
• diameter: 5.2 cm (2")

eBay: $20,000 for a vintage Dunhill enamel set?

This item is on my eBay watch list since the beginning of the year 2013. It is a masterpiece without doubt. I am referring to a 'fixed price' auction with a 1930s Dunhill Set consisting of the "Unique" wick lighter and cigarette case.

Both items are unusual, made of 0.935 silver and beautifully enameled. The hand-painted enameling workmanship depicts a lovely detailed scene. The price tag? A heavy $20,000 (about €15,000)! The set is in very good condition and it comes in its original box.

Since it was listed it had already 13 price offers and currently 39 watchers including me. Happy hunting!

Ronson Fiesta Set, 1954

The Ronson Fiesta Set was manufactured between 1954 and 1956 in Newark, United States of America and in Toronto, Canada. The set consists of  a table lighter with a Ronson Essex gold toned insert and an ash-tray which is made of ceramic and glazed with turquoise and cream paint.

The base of the table lighter is marked on the bottom on a golden label:

(R)
RONSON

Newark, N.J.

U.S.A.

or

RONSON
Fiesta
Toronto 
Canada

The bottom of the base is padded with green felt. The Ronson Essex lighter insert is marked:

RONSON (R)

NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

U.S PATENTS

2,481,195 & 2,715,329

Other unique ceramic sets made by Ronson beside the Fiesta Set are: Bolero and Tropicana Set which are also rare.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition (set): $80.00–120.00 (approx €60.00–90.00)

Weight:

• lighter – 265 g (9 1/4 oz)
• ashtray – 500 g (1 lb, 1 3/4 oz)

Dimensions:

1. Table lighter

• height: 8.0 cm (3.15")
• diameter: 5.9 cm (2.3")

2. Ash-tray

• height: 5.0 cm (2")
• width: 9 cm (3.5")
• length: 12.5 cm (5.5")

Ronson Lenox Set Lighter and Cigarette Holder, 1959

The Ronson Lenox Set consists of a lighter and a matching cigarette holder. The set was manufactured between 1959 and 1960 in the United States of America. The Set made of bone china porcelain was available in few different finishes trimmed in gold: asparagus green (see picture), light pink, plain wait and white with a flying bird scene.

Lenox was founded in 1889 by Walter Scott Lenox as Lenox's Ceramic Art Company, Trenton, New Jersey. From the start it was organized as an art studio and not as a factory. It did not have full lines of ceramics but rather one-of-a-kind artwares. The company at first had just eighteen employees. Their products were carried in shops specializing in high-quality pottery. Lenox's products were first displayed at The Smithsonian Institution in 1897.

Lenox's products became popular in the early 20th century when separate dining rooms and hostess parties became the new trend. Lenox then started making custom-designed, elaborately decorated dining plates. He faced European competition but commissioned famous American artists such as William Morley to decorate his plates. He gained success at this and eventually turned his attention to complete sets of dinnerware. In 1906 he changed his firm's name from the Ceramic Art Company to Lenox Incorporated to show the widing scope of his products. Lenox sells tabletop, giftware and collectible products. Lenox remains the only major manufacturer of bone china based in the United States.

The removable gold tone Essex lighter insert is marked on the bottom:

RONSON (R)

NEWARK, N.J., U.S.A.
U.S. PATENTS
2,481,195 & 2,715,329

The porcelain base of the lighter as well the cigarette holder are marked:

LENOX
MADE IN USA

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition (set): $100.00–150.00 (approx €70.00–110.00)

Weight:  

• cigarette holder:  110 grams (0.24 pounds)
• table lighter: 215 grams (0.47 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 11.8 cm (4.6")
• diameter: 7 cm (2.7")

Ronson Bolero Set, 1954

The Ronson Bolero Set was manufactured between 1954 and 1955 in Newark, United States of America. The set (model no. 43625) consists of a wick table lighter and a matching ash-tray which was also available seperate (model no. 43637).

The lighter base as well the ashtray are handmade of glazed ceramic in two colors: brown on the bottom and oatmeal-gray on the top. The lighter insert is a chromed plated Ronson Essex marked on the bottom:

RONSON (R)

NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

U.S. PATENTS

2,481,195 & 2,715,329

The base of the table lighter has a silver sticker on the bottom:

(R)
RONSON

Newark, N.J.

U.S.A.

or

Ronson Bolero
Toronto, Canada.

The bottoms of both the base of the lighter and ashtray are padded with green felt.

Other unique ceramic sets made by Ronson beside the Bolero Set were called Tropicana and Fiesta which are also rare. In England a similar set to the Bolero Set was manufactured, although it was called Ronson Wade Harmony Set.

Worth to know is that the Bolero lighter was featured in the great American movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's".
 

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition (set): 201 zł–90.00 (approx 187 zł–75.00)

Weight:

• lighter – 250–330 grams (0.55–0.73 lbs)
• cigarette holder – 300–340 grams (0.66–0.75 lbs)

Dimensions:

1. Table lighter

• height: 6.5 cm (2.56")
• length: 14.0 cm (5.5")
• width: 10.0 cm (3.9")

2. Ash-tray

• height: 3.5 cm (1.4")
• length: 15.5 cm (6.1")
• width: 12.0 cm (4.7")

Ronson Tropicana Set, 1954

The Ronson Tropicana Set was manufactured between 1954 and 1956 in Newark, United States of America. The set consists of  a table lighter with a Ronson Essex gold toned insert and an ash-tray which is made of brown and inner green ceramic.  The set (model no. 43592) looks great and is quite rare.

The base of the table lighter is marked on the bottom on a golden label:

(R)
RONSON

Newark, N.J.

U.S.A.

The bottom of the base is padded with green felt. The Ronson Essex lighter insert is marked:

RONSON (R)

NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

U.S PATENTS

2,481,195 & 2,715,329

Other unique ceramic sets made by Ronson beside the Tropicana Set are: Bolero and Fiesta Set which are also rare.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition (set): 274 zł ($90.00)–140.00 (approx 290 zł (€70.00)–100.00)

Weight:

• lighter – 230 grams (0.5 lb)
• cigarette holder – 455 grams (1 lb)

Dimensions:

1. Table lighter

• height: 8.0 cm (3.15")
• diameter: 5.9 cm (2.3")

2. Ash-tray

• height: 5.0 cm (2")
• width: 9 cm (3.5")
• length: 25.5 cm (10")

Ronson Jubilee Set, 1954

The Ronson Jubilee Set was manufactured only in 1954 in the industrial works in Newark (N.J., United States). The set consists of a lighter and a matching cigarette holder. Both are made of sterling silver and have weighted bases.

The lighter has a removable Ronson Essex fitment. It is silver-plated.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Both, the lighter and the cigarette urn are marked on the bottom:

STERLING

(R)
RONSON
JUBILEEWEIGHTED

The lighter is additionaly marked with:

NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

U.S. PAT.

PEND.

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition (set): $160.00–250.00 (€110–175)

Weight:

• lighter – 245 grams (0,54 pounds)
• cigarette holder – 58 grams (0,13 pounds)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 9.7 cm (3.8")
• diameter: 5.9 cm (2.3")

2. Cigarette holder

• height: 7.3 cm (2.9")
• diameter: 5.9 cm (2.3")

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")

Canterbury & Evans, Lighter Set, ca. 1950

The Canterbury and Evans Lighter Set was made in ca. 1950. It consists of a lighter and matching cigarette holder. Canterbury Silversmiths Inc. was a small company based in Brooklyn (New York, U.S.) active in the 1940's and 1950's. The "Canterbury" Trademark was registered on the 12^th November, 1948. The company manufactured sterling and silver-plated flatware and hollowware, mainly butter dishes, trays, coasters, milk jugs, sugar basins etc.

The set is kept in a simple neet design. It is made from a light thin but hard metal, probably aluminum and silver-plated.

The lighter insert was provided by Evans (USA). It is made of brass and is silver electroplate.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the bottom:

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition (set): $90.00–160.00 (€65–115)

Weight:

• cigarette urn – 65 grams (0,14 pounds)
• lighter – 145 grams (0,32 pounds)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 10.0 cm (3.9")
• width: 6.3 cm (2.48")
• depth: 6.3 cm (2.48")

2. Cigarette holder

• height: 6.8 cm (2.68")
• width: 6.5 cm (2.56")
• depth: 6.5 cm (2.56")

Ronson Nordic Set, 1955

The Ronson Nordic Set was first manufactured in 1955 in Newark (N.J., United States). The production went on till 1958. The set consists of a Nordic lighter and a matching cigarette holder. The set was made from a very popular in the 40's and 50's, especially in Europe, Black & Gold Marble (Portoro). The Ronson Nordic set was mainly manufactured for people who had an inkstand finished in this stone. The base is in chrome plate with leaf and scroll pattern.

The Ronson Nordic lighter was available in different finishes - two more types of marble, clear glass, light and dark wood. The Ronson Nordic in Black & Gold Marble finish was sold more often as a set with the matching cigarette holder (urn). The lighter has a smaller version of the Ronson Essex fitment. That is why the engineers added the lever action to make the lighter more easy to operate. The lighter insert is chrome-plated.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the bottom on the foil label:

(R)
RONSON
Newark, N.J.
U.S.A.

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $60.00–90.00 (€50–75)

Weight:

• cigarette urn – 370 grams (0,82 pounds)
• lighter – 410 grams (0,9 pounds)

Dimensions:

1. Lighter

• height: 8.5 cm (3.5")
• width: 7.0 cm (2.8")
• depth: 7.0 cm (2.8")

2. Cigarette holder

• height: 7.5 cm (3.0")
• width: 5.5 cm (2.2")
• depth: 5.5 cm (2.2")

Ronson Queen Anne Lighter Set, 1949

The Ronson Queen Anne Set was manufactured in 1949 till 1954. The set consists of the Queen Anne wick lighter, matching cigarette holder and tray. The three-piece table lighter set is silver plate and quite heavy. All of them are marked Ronson.

The lighter as well the cigarette urn is padded with green felt and covered with a transparent lacquer to prevent silver from tarnish.

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $75.00–140.00 (approx €55.00–105.00)

Weight: tray – 370 grams (0,82 pounds), cigarette urn – 240 grams (0,53 pounds), lighter, see: Queen Anne, 1936

Dimensions:

1. Lighter, see: Queen Anne, 1936

2. Tray

• height: 1.5 cm (0.6")
• width: 30.0 cm (11.8")
• depth: 15.5 cm (6.1")

3. Cigarette holder

• height: 7.3 cm (2.9")
• width: 6.5 cm (2.6")
• depth: 6.5 cm (2.6")

Hy Glo & Frank M. Whiting, glass and sterling, 1931

The Hy Glo & Frank M. Whiting lighter was first manufactured in 1931. Hy Glo Products Co. Owosso, Michigan U.S.A. provided only the small sterling wick lighter insert marked: Hy Glo MADE IN U.S.A. Hy Glo went out of the lighter business in 1949 due to a fire that destroyed the whole factory complex.

The lighter was also sold with a matching ashtray (used also as a coaster) and cigarette urn. Every item of this set was made from glass (not crystal glass) and silver sterling (925). They all have a sterling plain rim with raised beading around the inside edge and marked Frank M. Whiting. The glass base of the lighter is not marked though it has an indented star bottom.

The lighter has a removable cap (top cover) made from sterling silver - there were manufactured in different shapes like the pattern of the rim varied (see here). On the market many companies made such sets among others: Strikealite Lighter Co. or Amston Mfg. Table Lighters.

Worth to know is that the Frank M. Whiting was founded in 1878 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts by the son of William Whiting, the founder of the Whiting Manufacturing. In 1895, the company was converted to a stock company under the name F. M. WHITING & Co. In 1896, the firm's name was changed to FRANK. M. WHITING & Co. In 1897 the company was incorporated and later in the 1924 was purchased by the Elmore Silver Company of Meriden, CT. Their line included sterling silver flatware, hollowware, novelties, souvenir spoons, etc. The brand was on the market till the 1940s.

Marked on the silver edges:

FRANK M. WHITING
STERLING PAT. PENDING

or

FRANK M. WHITING & CO.
STERLING
R or S
PAT. PENDING

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon (lighter), rare (set: lighter, ashtray, cigarette urn)

Value for good–mint condition: $30.00–50.00 (approx €100.00–190.00)

Value of the set for good–mint condition: $80–150

Weight: 140–162 grams (0.31–0.36 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.4")
• diameter: 5.7 cm (2.2")