Advert: Ronson Touch-Tip, 1935

This Art Metal Works (Ronson) vintage magazine advertisement was published in the Christmas edition of Esquire in December 1935. It depicts the basic range of pocket Ronson lighters as well the popular Touch Tip Octette.

ELDRO TANK [Drollinger] Silver Table Lighter, 1939

The ELDRO TANK wick table lighter was manufactured for a long period between 1939 and 1951 by Herman Else Drollinger Silber- und Metallwarenfabrik in Pforzheim, Germany. The company itself was active since 1925 till ca. 1978 and manufactured mainly metal- and silverware. Else Drollinger produced table and pocket lighters beyond its own ELDRO brand and also "Astro" for ZVG, "KW" for Karl Wieden and for other important German lighter manufacturers like Mylflam and Rowenta (mainly silver mantels).

This semi-automatic table lighter was available in different mantels made of solid silver (.835). The lighter base as well the lighter insert were made of brass and silver-plated. The bottom of the lighter base is padded with green felt.

Marked on the inside of the insert: 

ELDRO TANK
Pat. GMa

In 1951 the patent 815 272 was issued by the German Patent Office (Deutsches Patentamt). See below:

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good – mint condition (dependent on finish): $100.00–160.00 (approx €70.00–110.00)

Weight: 190 grams (0.42 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• width: 3.5 cm (1.38")
• length: 6.6 cm (2.6")

Ronson Noir Smoking Set, 1972

This smoking set was crafted in cooperation by Ronson and Rosenthal GmbH between 1972 and 1974 in West Germany. Ronson made the lighter insert and Rosenthal the porcelain base. Rosenthal is a famous German porcelain manufacturer. The company was established by Philipp Rosenthal in 1879 (now part of Sambonet Paderno). The products were first marked with the company name in 1907. Rosenthal produced many innovative designs under its higher end "Studio S Linie" brand.

The base of the lighter as well as the cigarette holder and ashtray are made of black porcelain finished in mat (only the top cover of the cigarette holder and the inside of the ashtray are made of glossy porcelain). The table lighter uses the Ronson round Varaflame gas fitment. It is chrome plated. Different finishes of the finger flame control are known. 

Marked on the bottom of the base:

Rosenthal 

PORCELAINE NOIRE

Wirkhelm

Studio S Line

Lighter insert marked:

RONSON (R)

MADE IN W. GERMANY

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: rare

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

Weight:

• lighter: 170 grams (0.37 pounds)
• cigarette holder: 175 grams (0.39 pounds)
• ashtray: 235 grams (0.52 pounds)

Dimensions:

Table lighter:

• height: 8.5 (3.35")
• diameter: 5.0 cm (1.97")

Cigarette holder:

• height: 6.0 cm (2.37")
• width: 9.3 cm (3.66")

Astray:

• height: 3.3 cm (1.3")
• length: 12 cm  (4.7")
• width: 9.0 cm (3.54")

Advert: Zippo Cigarette Lighters for Dad, 1953

This Zippo ad was published in Life Magazine on the 14^th of June, 1953. It features four Zippo pocket lighters.

Evans Table Lighters US Patents, 1949-1950

Below three interesting Evans Case Co. (North Attleboro, Massachusetts) US patents from the 1949 and 1950. 

Advert: Ronson Mayfairs, Decanter Deluxe, Crown, Queen Anne, 1947

This black and white Ronson magazine advertisement was published in 1947 in the Life Magazine. It shows among others two bestsellers: Ronson "Crown" and "Queen Anne", pair of Ronson "Mayfairs" and Ronson "Decanter Deluxe".

Mosda Period Series Automatic Table Lighter, 1950

This small wick table lighter was made in 1950 in Birmingham (47-48 Frederick St.), England by Mosda. Mosda was a middle company (approx. 125 employees) founded by Moss Davis in 1948. It went into liquidation in the 1969. The company produced lighters, office items such as: stapling machines, hole punchers, propelling pencils and pencil sharpeners. Both the lighters and the office equipment were sold through various wholesalers and tobacconists throughout the UK and were exported throughout the world.

Both the base of the lighter and the removable lighter insert were made of brass and then silver electroplated. There are at least three different models of the Period Series known (different decoration, e.g. Georgian with embossed pattern).

Marked on the bottom of the base:

Mosda Period Series

E P N S

Automatic 

Table Lighter

Made in England

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for very good–mint condition: $60.00–90.00 (approx €45.00–65.00)

Weight: 154 grams (0.34 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.5 cm (2.6")
• diameter: 6.0 cm (2.4")

Many thanks to Lawrence Mosda for the info on the company!

Ronson Royalty Wedgwood Table Lighter, 1954

This wick table lighter was made in 1954 in England by Ronson and Wedgwood. Wedgwood is a British pottery firm, founded on May 1, 1759 by Josiah Wedgwood (1730–95). The company still exists and is noted for its numerous innovations and high-quality wares that achieved renown throughout the world. Wedgwood's name is synonymous with the Jasper Ware body type.

The main themes on the company's jasper ware have all been taken from ancient mythologies: Roman, Greek or Egyptian. The initial decision to have antique designs was probably that as Britain entered an age of great industrialization, the demand for luxurious goods subsequently exploded. Meanwhile, the archeological fever caught the imagination of many artists. Nothing could have been more suitable to satisfy this huge business demand than to produce replicas of artefacts. Wedgwoods pottery is  very collectibles nowadays.

The Ronson Royalty Wedgwood was available in chrome plated fitment which was based on a face-lifted Ronson Rondelight. The  lighter insert is mounted in Blue Jasper base made by Wedgwood with overlaid design – three different mythological scenes – in white ceramic.

The lighter base is padded with light blue felt. The Ronson Royalty was also sold with a matching ashtray.

Marked on the bottom of the base:

WEDGWOOD
MADE IN ENGLAND 
(1954)

Lighter insert marked:

RONSON
TRADE MARK
MADE IN ENGLAND
RONDELIGHT
BRIT. PAT. 621570

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $60.00–90.00 (approx €40.00–65.00)

Weight: 154 grams (0.34 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.5 cm (2.6")
• diameter: 6.0 cm (2.4")

Advert: Ronson Newport, Decanter, Georgian & other lighters, 1949

This Ronson magazine advertisement was published in 1949 in Life Magazine. It shows among others the Ronson Crown Set, Ronson Georgian, Ronson Newport and the Ronson Decanter.

Royal Doulton Table Lighter, The Poacher, 1958

This ceramic Royal Doulton "The Poacher" Table Lighter was designed by M. Henk and issued between 1958 and 1973 in England. It is a fine example of the great variety of character jugs/table lighters manufactured exclusively by Royal Doulton Company which is an English company producing tableware and collectables, dating to 1815. Operating originally in London, its reputation grew in The Potteries, where it was a latecomer compared to Spode, Wedgwood and Minton. The Royal Doulton Company began as a partnership between John Doulton, Martha Jones, and John Watts, with a factory at Vauxhall Walk, Lambeth, London. The company took the name Doulton in 1853.

Other character Royal Doulton table lighters are in the shape of: Bacchus, Beafeater, Buz Fuz, Cap'n Cuttle, Captain Ahab, Falstaff, Lawyer, Long Jhon Silver, Mr Micawber, Mr Pickwick, Old Charley, Poacher Porthos, Rip Van Winkle.

It is worth to know that poachers are a family (Agonidae) of small bottom-dwelling cold-water marine fish. They are also known as alligatorfishes, starsnouts, hooknoses, and rockheads.

The lighter base is marked on the bottom:

MADE IN ENGLAND

ROYAL DOULTON 

ENGLAND

"The Poacher".

COPR. 1954.

DOULTON & CO. LIMITED.
Ra No 875201.
Ra No 33325.
Ra No 7095.
Ra No 321/54.

The brass wick lighter insert was provided by Colibri a famous English lighter manufacturer. The company was established by Julius Löwenthal  in 1928. Colibri delivered the lighter insert which was produced in France and W. Germany. Royal Doulton also cooperated with Evans Co. and Ronson. The lighter insert is marked:

Colibri by Kreisler
U.S. PAT
12.267182
U.S. Zone
WEST GERMANY

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for mint condition: $90.00–130.00 (approx €70.00–90.00)

Weight: 290 grams (0.64 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 11 cm (4.3")
• width: 11 cm (4.3")
• depth: 8 cm (3.2")

Ronson Colonial Table Lighter, 1936

This heavy silver plate Ronson table lighter was first manufactured in 1936 in Newark, New Jersey, USA. The production ceased short before the outbreak of the Second World War. This wick lighter looks very stately and proud - definitely one of my favorite Ronson lighters.

The body of the lighter is made of die cast "white metal" and heavy silver-plated. It weights a substantial 385 grams. Decorated in a delicate colonial style and floral patterns. The Ronson Colonial uses the standard Adonis lighter insert.

The base has a green felt pad and the silver plate is protected by a transparent lacquer which often is deteriorated and has to be washed up.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Writing on the base:

RONSON (R)
NEWARK.N.J.U.S.A.
U.S PATENT RE. NO. 19023
CANADA PATS.-288.148-289.889
RONSON
"COLONIAL"
TRADE MARK

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $100.00–150.00 (approx €70.00–105.00)

Weight: 385 grams (0,85 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.7 cm (2.6")
• width: 5.7 cm (2.2")
• depth: 7.2 cm (2.8")

Advert: Ronson Pioneer Table & Pocket Lighter, 1961

This Ronson magazine advertisement was published in 1961 in Life Magazine. It shows the rather unsuccessful series of the Pioneer pocket and table lighters manufactured in the USA since 1960.

Advert: Ronson Banker Pocket Lighter, 1947

This lovely Ronson magazine advertisement was published in 1947 (exact date and magazine unknown). It shows the pocket cigarette lighter Ronson "Banker" in 14 kt. gold. Great simplistic lay-out in late art deco style.

Ronson Cupid Table Lighter, 1956

This small but relatively heavy Ronson table lighter was first manufactured in 1956 in Newark, New Jersey, USA and the production ceased just two years later. It was available in two versions: black and white enamel both having the gold tone removable Essex lighter insert and three gold colored cupid plaques.

The lighter insert and the beautiful cherubs were made of brass whereas the base was made of white metal alloy. The base is protected with a round felt pad. The lighter fitment is marked:

RONSON (R)

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

U.S. PATENTS 

2,481,195 & 2,715,329

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Gold foil label on the bottom of the base is marked:

CUPID

FASHIONED BY RONSON

Scarcity: uncommon-rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $50.00–80.00 (approx €40.00–60.00)

Weight: 255 grams (0.56 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 6.1 cm (2.4")
• diameter: 4.6 cm (1.8")

Royal Doulton Table Lighter, Beefeater, 1958

This ceramic Royal Doulton Beefeater Table Lighter was designed by H. Fenton and issued between 1958 and 1973 in England. It is a fine example of the great variety of character jugs/table lighters manufactured exclusively by Royal Doulton Company which is an English company producing tableware and collectables, dating to 1815. Operating originally in London, its reputation grew in The Potteries, where it was a latecomer compared to Spode, Wedgwood and Minton. The Royal Doulton Company began as a partnership between John Doulton, Martha Jones, and John Watts, with a factory at Vauxhall Walk, Lambeth, London. The company took the name Doulton in 1853.

Other character Royal Doulton table lighters are in the shape of: Bacchus, Buz Fuz, Cap'n Cuttle, Captain Ahab, Falstaff, Lawyer, Long Jhon Silver, Mr Micawber, Mr Pickwick, Old Charley, Poacher Porthos, Rip Van Winkle.

It is worth to know that Beefeaters are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. In principle they are responsible for looking after any prisoners at the Tower and safeguarding the British crown jewels, but in practice they act as tour guides and are a tourist attraction in their own right, a point the Yeoman Warders acknowledge.

The lighter base is marked on the bottom:

MADE IN ENGLAND

ROYAL DOULTON 

ENGLAND

Beefeater

COPR 1946

Doulton & Co Limited

The brass wick lighter insert was provided by Colibri a famous English lighter manufacturer. The company was established by Julius Löwenthal  in 1928. Colibri delivered the lighter insert which was produced in France and W. Germany. Royal Doulton also cooperated with Evans Co. and Ronson. The lighter insert is marked:

Colibri by Kreisler
U.S. PAT
12.267182
U.S. Zone
WEST GERMANY

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for mint condition: $75.00–100.00 (approx €50.00–70.00)

Weight: 190 grams (0.42 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 9 cm (3.5")
• width: 9 cm (3.5")
• depth: 6.7 cm (3.2")

Wick, flint and lighter fluid - what & where to buy?

If you have a wick lighter you will need to acquire an universal:

1. Wick (best buy: Zippo wick)
2. Flint (best buy: Zippo Flints or Ronson flints) 
3. Lighter fluid (best buy: Zippo Lighter Fluid)

If you have a gas (butane) lighter you will just need a:

1. Flint (best buy: Zippo Flints or Ronson flints) 
2. Lighter butane refill (best buy: Zippo Butane Fuel

The links refer to amazon.com but if you are from a different country you may use your local amazon store. The recommended lighter accessories can be also bought at eBay and your local tobacco store.

Cartier Paris 303 Table Lighter, 1997

This modern Cartier Paris 303 Table Lighter was made in the late 1990s by Cartier  S.A. in Switzerland. It is an oval shaped semiautomatic table lighter made in brush silver finish with a gold plated ring on the top.

Cartier is renowned French luxury jeweler and watch manufacturer founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier when he took over the workshop of his master. The product range of Cartier ranges today from timepieces, leather goods to accessories such as cigarette lighters.

It is marked on the bottom:

Cartier Paris  303
SWISS MADE
SN

Type: gas (butane) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for mint condition: $350.00–400.00 (approx €250.00–300.00)

Weight: 135 grams (0.3 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 1.2 cm (0.5")
• width: 2.5 cm (1.0")
• length: 12.4 cm (4.9")

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")

United, Bovano Cheshire Table Lighter 1957

The United Bovano Cheshire Automobile table lighter was manufactured in 1957 United States by United Findings Co. Inc. and Bovano of Cheshire, Connecticut. 

The wick lighter insert was provided by United. The colorful handy base was however crafted by Bovano of Cheshire which started its business in 1952 and which is still active today. The company was founded by Bonsignor, Van Leight and Noden. It is designing and hand crafting high quality wall and table sculptures using powdered glass fused to small copper plates and glass.

The lighter base is hand  enameled (pulverized glass) in three different colors using a delicate sprinkling method layered over solid copper and then kiln fired which makes the base look vitreous and noble.

The lighter insert is removable and covered with a gold-tone lacquer. Marked on the underside:

MADE IN U.S.A.
UNITED
PAT. 2,723,547

The base is padded with brown felt. A gold sticker is attached to it:

HANDCRAFTED

BY

Bovano

OF CHESHIRE

CONN.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Scarcity: rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $30.00–45.00 (approx €20.00–30.00)

Weight: 180 grams (0.4 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 7.2 cm (2.8")
• diamater: 6.0 cm (2.36")

Ronson Touch-Tip 'Octette' Table Lighter, 1935

The Ronson Touch-Tip 'Octette' table lighter was made between 1935 and  1951 by Ronson / Art Metal Works Inc.  in Newark, New Jersey in the United States. This lighter began a very successful era for Ronson T-T series of lighters which pushed out the strike lighters from the market. During the years the 'Octette' model changed slightly: at the beginning it was manufactured with a rectangular cover over the flint wheel and a round-shaft wand. Since the 1942 the cover over the flint wheel was half circled and the wand had a square shaft and a tapered cone knob (see pictures).

The 'Octette' has a genuine pure Art Deco design. It is very heavy although its relatively small dimensions. Fitment and base are made of polished chrome and the metal body was finished in different enamels: black (most popular), tortoise or white. Less popular finishes include:  green, maroon enamel and many others. The polished center monogram shield  was on one side.

It was available in many various configurations including pipe racks, cigarette boxes pipe holders, figures (golfer), thermometer, clock etc.

The lighter base is padded with green felt and marked:

RONSON "Touch-Tip" (R) TRADE MARK
MFD BY RONSON NEWARK, N.J., U.S.A.
U.S. PATS. 1,986,754-2,118,692
BRIT.PAT. 435,667 - CANADA PAT. 349,108
OTHER U.S. & FOR. PATS. PDG.

or

RONSON TOUCH-TIP - U.S.PATS.1,986,/54-DES/GN PAT. 97,247
BRITISH PAT.APPL'D.FOR-CANDA PAT.349,148
ART METAL WORKS INC - NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.

Lighter mechanism marked:

(R) RONSON "Touch-Tip"
NEWARK, N.J., U.S.A.
U.S. PATS. 1,986,754-2,118,692
BRIT.PAT. 435,667 - CANADA PAT. 349,108
OTHER U.S. & FOR. PATS. PDG.

See also the touch-tip 'Octette' patent.

Type: touch-tip lighter (T-T)

Scarcity: uncommon–rare

Value for very good–mint condition: $140.00–280.00 (approx €100.00–200.00)

Weight: 565 grams (1.25 pounds), wand itself: 20 grams (0.7 ounces)

Dimensions:

• height: 9.0 cm (3.5")
• width: 6.4 cm (2.5")
• length: 9.1 cm (3.6")

How does a T-T lighter work? You may find this video helpful: