Dunhill Rollalite Table Lighter, 1949

The Dunhill Rollalite Lighter is one of the most famous lighters made by Dunhill. It was first manufactured between 1949 in the United States of America and Switzerland by Alfred Dunhill ltd. The production of the wick lighter ceased in 1956. This small and handy automatic table wick lighter was manufactured basically in five finishes – 18K gold, gold plate, sterling silver, silver plate and rhodium plate.  It was moreover available striped in couple of variants. The quality of this lighter was very high.

This lighter has a typical rollalite mechanism used since the 1940s in different brands. The base is padded with green felt. It is marked on the bottom: 

DUNHILL ROLLALITE
U.S.PAT. No. 2.102.108

No felt is present in sterling silver and 18K gold version of the lighter. The sterling silver is marked on the bottom:

U.S.PAT. No. 2102108

OTHERS PENDING

DUNHILL LONDON

MADE IN SWITZERLAND

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon– very rare

Value for very good–mint condition (silver or gold plated): $125.00–450.00 (approx €100.00–200.00)

Weight: 135 grams (0.3 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.2 cm (2.4")
• width: 3.4 cm (1.3")
• length: 3.4 cm (1.3")

Cigarette Lighters Collectors' Forum is now open!

I am happy to present you the first international Cigarette Lighters Collectors' Forum. This step was inevitable as I received every day more and more inquires via email. Now you might register yourself and post your thoughts and questions there. I hope that in this manner more people will have access to collectors' knowledge and experience. Everybody is welcomed!

Update: The website is closed now as I was not able to win with thousands of spammer bots. I hope that in the future I will be able to return to this project. In the meantime I would like to apologies users of the forum who supported it with their knowledge!

Ronson Regency Essex, 1956

The Ronson Regency was first manufactured in 1956 in England. The lighter uses the smaller Ronson Essex fitment which is silver-plated and marked on the bottom:

RONSON
REG. TRADE MARK

MADE IN ENGLAND

BRIT. PAT. NOS.

621570 724448

This wick lighter has a silver plate heavy cast white metal base. The bottom of the base is padded with black felt. 

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $65.00–80.00 (approx €50.00–60.00)

Weight: 280 grams (0,61 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.2 cm (3.6")
• diameter: 4.8 cm (1.9")

Advert: Ronson Table Lighters, 1957

This Ronson advertisement was published in LIFE magazine on the 6th May 1957. It depicts only a part of the great Ronson table lighters range manufactured in the late 1950s. Available for purchase were that time only wick lighters:

• Ronson Fantasy;
• Ronson Cupid;
• Ronson Regal;
• Ronson Decor;
• Ronson Queen Anne;
• Ronson Colony;
• Ronson Tropicana;
• Ronson Nordic.

Dunhill Duelling Pistol Lighter, ca. 1929

This Dunhill Duelling Pistol of the shape of a classic single-shot flintlock from the XVIII/XIX century is made of brass and lead alloy which makes it very heavy. The lighter has a very precise trigger activated mechanism - the top opens and sparks when the trigger is pulled.

This Dunhill Duelling Pistol was manufactured only in England from ca. 1929 until the late 30's. After 1938 it was replaced by the Dunhill Tinder Pistol Lighter.

It is often the case that the trigger is broken as well the top mounted flint holder. The lighter is marked DUNHILL on the outside of the trigger guard.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare–very rare

Value for good–mint condition: $200.00–300.00 (approx €180.00–215.00)

Weight: 425 grams (0.93 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.0 cm (3.9")
• length: 15.5 cm (6.1")
• width: 4.4 cm (1.7")

Ronson Tablelighter Banjo, 1927

The Ronson "Tablelighter" came in two versions that can be distinguished by the applied lighter fitment: Banjo and De-Light. The older version (Banjo fitment) of the Ronson "Tablelighter" also called Ronson Banjo Table Lighter was manufactured between 1927 and 1928 in Newark, New Jersey, USA. It was one of the earliest tabletop automatic lighter in the world.

The lighter was made of brass and silver plated. The front and rear panel were covered with snake and Marocco leather. Some of the examples were left without covering.

The casing of the Banjo Lighter was designed by L.V. Aronson and patented on the 17th May 1927 (filled for patent on 2nd February, 1927). The illustration below shows a side elevation of the lighter and an edge view. It comes from the granted patent no. 72,658.

The bottom is padded with green felt. The lighter is marked on the snuffer:

RONSON LIGHTER
P'T'D DEC, 31,1918
OTHER PAT'S P'D'G

as well on the fuel screw on the bottom:

RONSON LIGHTER

PAT. NO 72,658 MAY 17,1927

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good–mint condition: 1 412 zł–600.00 (approx 1 212 zł–450.00)

Weight: 150 grams (0.33 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.3 cm (4.8")
• width: 6.5 cm (2.6")
• depth: 3.4 cm (1.3")

Advert: Zippo lighters inc. Zippo Moderne + Corinthian, 1961

This Zippo advertisement was published in the Christmas edition of LIFE magazine on the 8th December 1961. Between different Zippo pocket lighters there are two table lighters - the Zippo Moderne and Zippo Corinthian (in the center).

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")

Zippo Lady Bradford Table Lighter patent, 1951

On the 12th June, 1951 the United States Patent Office patented the second Zippo Table Lighter marketed since 1949 as Lady Bradford. The name of the "inventor" and designer was Gerald Stahl. Below the specification of it:

Braun Cylindric T2 Table Lighter, Dieter Rams, 1968

The Braun Cylindric T2 Table Lighter was manufactured in between 1968 and 1970 by Braun AG in Frankfurt, Germany and also in Ireland. It was inspired by the development of the invention of the magnetic ignition technology. The table lighter was available in many various finishes like: painted metal, plain chrome plated steel and in diamond texture (see picture). The whole type specification:

• 6822 / 272  metal silver-plated, lengthwise ruffled
• 6822 / 708  metal silver-plated, unruffled surface
• 6822 / 712  plastic red                            
• 6822 / 713  plastic blue
• 6822 / 715  plastic black, black cap
• 6822 / 716  plastic black, chrome-plated cap
• 6822 / 717  plastic orange
• 6822 / 718  metal chrome-plated, annulated struktur
• 6822 / 730  plexiglass
• 6822 / 302  metal chrome-plated, unruffled grounded
• 6822 / 303  metall chrome-plated, lengthwise ruffled
• 6822 / 304  metall black, annulated struktur
• 6822 / 305  metall silver-plated, checked pattern

This gas butane lighter was designed for Braun by the famous German designer Dieter Rams born in 1932. Next to this lighter he designed also the ET 55 Calculator (1980), SK 4/10 Radio-Phonograph (1956), H 3 Heater-Ventilator (1962) and the Loudspeaker Model No. LE 1 (1960). The Braun Cylindric is part of the permanent collection  of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.

As a smoker, Rams loved to design lighters as “small sculptural objects” which should be “a pleasure to look at and to use.” According to an article in the Design Museum  website "his chief challenge with the T2 was identifying the precise place on the side of the cylinder at which the thumb could apply the greatest pressure to the magnetic ignition pad".

If someone is interested in the the inner part of the lighter you may find the article "Cylindric Ultrasonic Bat Detector" very useful.

Marked on the bottom of the base (black plastic):

BRAUN
Made in Ireland

or

BRAUN
Made in West Germany 
 (serial number)

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $70.00–130.00 (approx €55.00–100.00)

Weight: 275 grams (0,60 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.6 cm (3 3/8")
• diameter: 5.4 cm (2 1/8")

Cigarette Lighter Museums all over the world

There are not many museums devoted to lighters in the world. The most impressive permanent collection has the National Lighter Museum in the US.

North America

National Lighter Museum
Address: 5715 Sooner Rd, Guthrie, Oklahoma, United States
More info: http://www.nationallightermuseum.com/index.html

Zippo Museum
Address: 1932 Zippo Drive, Bradford, Pensylvania, United States
More info: http://www.zippo.com/ZippoCaseMuseum/index.aspx

Asia

Cigarette Lighter Museum (Raita Hakubutsukan)
Address: Sumida ward, Mukojima 1-27-6, Tokyo, Japan
More information: http://www.quirkyjapan.or.tv/museums.html

Europe

The Phillumeny Museum (Muzeum Filumenistyczne)

Address: Mały Rynek 1, Bystrzyca Kłodzka, Poland

More information: http://www.muzeum-filumenistyczne.pl/english-version.html

Edwin Preibisch, Feuerzeugmuseum
Address: Bergerstraße 136, Köln (Porz-Eil), Germany

Do you know more museums featuring lighters and other tobacciana? Let me know and I will add it to that list!

Tobacciana Video Commercials

Do you remember the times when smoking was everywhere and when cigarettes were perceived as healthy? Yes, even doctors and cartoon characters advertised cigarettes. Below some of the most interesting examples.

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")

Advert: A·S·R· The 'Heritage' & 'Classic' Table Lighters, 1949

Xmas magazine advertisement published in LIFE, on the 5th December 1949. It depicts among others two table lighters: 'Heritage' & 'Classic' made by A·S·R· Corp (Ascot).

Tinder Pistol Lighter, ca. 1710–1730

Tinder Pistol Lighters are the earliest lighters. They were invented in the mid-seventeenth century. They were converted by gunsmiths from broken guns and used the barrel to store tinder instead of gunpowder. The working mechanism was simple though not very save to use at home - the trigger released a mechanism that struck a piece of iron and directed the sparks onto the tinder which ignite. Tinder pistols were expensive and were owned only by a small and wealthy minority of households.

The described flintlock tinder pistol was most probably made between 1710 and 1730 in Europe. It has a interesting shaped wooden handle finished with a ivory bead. The body, trigger and hammer are made of steel. In the picture below one can see the compartment for tinder and a receptacle for a small candle. This Tinder Pistol is not marked.

How does a tinder pistol lighter work? Tinder pistols do have a hidden compartment on the back side of the action used for storing tinder. When the trigger is pulled the cock drops throwing a shower of sparks into the tinder thus starting a small flame from which the candle is ignited. The lit candle was then used to light fires, stoves, other candles, etc. around the home.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: very rare

Value for very good condition: $700.00–900.00 (approx €500.00–700.00)

Weight: 240 grams (0.53 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height:   8.5 cm (4.35")
• length: 18.0 cm (7.1")
• width:   4.5 cm (1.78")

Cigarette lighter patents

A big part of the vintage lighters was patented. The most significant number of patents for cigarette lighters was filled in the United States of America, German, England, France and Canada. Next to catalogs and advertisements patents are a good reference for lighters collectors. In most cases the access to patent bases is free. Below an example of a patent documentation for the Zippo Table Lighter from the 1956 consisting of five pages.

Acknowledgements

The time is passing by and the "Table Lighters Collectors' Guide" is one year old! I am also happy to announce that this post has a nice round number 100. I assume that this is a good reason to sum up my activity.

This blog was visited 17135 times since the 10th April, 2009. There were 36,690 pageviews. Other information below:

Money earned owing your contribution on clicking on the google adverts: $52. Thank you! Owing to this amount I have acquired two books on cigarette lighters that will help me sharing with you my knowledge.

The blog was visited by people from 107 countries all over the world, most of them came from the United States (52%), United Kingdom (15%), Poland (6%), Canada (4%) and Germany (2,12%).

I would like to thank all my readers for their visits, comments and 'clicks' which does motivate me to a better work. I hope I do fulfill your expectations and that I still have the power to improve this site.

Advert: Ronson Fantasy Table Lighter, 1956

The Ronson magazine advertisement from LIFE published on the 29th of October 1956 depicts a sculptured table lighter with the Essex fitment - Ronson Fantasy. Not easy to get these days.

Advert: Zippo lighters inclusive Zippo Lady Bradford, 1951

 

This Zippo advertisement was published in the Christmas edition of LIFE  magazine on the 10th Dezember 1951. Beyond different Zippo pocket lighters one can see the a table lighter - the proud Zippo Lady Bradford which was introduced in 1949.

Zygmunt Konopczyński, Zapalniczka "Płomień", 1924

The "Płomień" lighter was manufactured by Zygmunt Konopczyński's factory in Warsaw, Poland. It was marketed during the interwar period, between 1924 and 1939. The lighter gained significant popularity during World War II and was regarded as standard equipment for Polish soldiers.

Despite its large size, the lighter was not intended as a table or desk lighter, but rather as a pocket or bag lighter. Smaller sizes were available. The construction is simple, made of brass.

The base of the lighter is marked:

SW.URZ.PATENT. 463
WARSZAWA
Z. KONOPCZYŃSKI

Type: manual wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $20-30

Weight: 115–125 grams

Dimensions:

• height: 8.3 cm (3.3")
• width: 4.6 cm (1.8")
• depth: 2 cm (0.8")