Guest Column: Collecting Vintage Cigarette Lighters
June 30th, 2008
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By Eric Beeson (Copyright 2008)
In this article, Eric Beeson talks about collecting vintage cigarette lighters, including brands such as Zippo, Ronson, and Dunhill. Eric is a frequent contributor to The Collectors Weekly, and will be starting his first year at the University of California Santa Barbara this fall.
Cigarette lighter collecting is a hobby that never gets boring. Just by browsing eBay auctions for ten minutes, for example, I recently found a lighter shaped like a lion’s head, one made of jade and gold, and an electric lighter in the shape of a woman’s face that hangs on the wall.
A flame we can carry in our pockets is something that we take for granted, but it was much harder to make fire in earlier times. The match wasn’t invented until about 1805, and early matches were expensive and dangerous. The lighter wasn’t invented until 1823 by a German chemist named Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner. He created the precursor to the lighter, which he called the Feuerzeug (often referred to as ‘Döbereiner’s Lamp’). The device created hydrogen gas in a tube from a reaction of sulfuric acid and zinc together, which would ignite after passing through a platinum sponge. The Feuerzeug was a huge success, with an estimated 20,000 in use by 1828.
But the Feuerzeug, in all its effectiveness, was not very safe, and would probably be illegal today. Various other types of lighters appeared throughout the late 1800’s, most of them making use of a wheel striking a ferrocerium flint, or a similar flint-like substance. Lighter development advanced greatly during World War I, as soldiers found them much more useful than matches, which caused a large spark when lit, easily giving away the positions of soldiers in the dark.
The basic shape of the modern cigarette lighter can be traced back to its ancestor, the match holder. In the 1800’s, safety matches had not yet been invented, so match users were victims of accidental ignitions far too often. By keeping them inside metal cases, they stopped the danger of pocket fires. This shape, roughly rectangular with rounded edges, became the prototype for almost all cigarette lighters. In fact, some crude lighters have been housed in match cases.
Lighters of the early 1900’s are hard to find, as many have fallen into disrepair, or rusted due to poor construction. By the 1920’s, lighters had become functional as well as artistic. The shapes and designs reflected the modern aesthetic, such as the early Art Deco patterns and styles.
At that point, there were three basic types of lighters. The manual striking type, the semiautomatic type, and the fully automatic type. The manual striking type, such as a Zippo, has the user physically make the spark come in contact with the wick by means of turning a flint wheel or striking the flint themselves. Another type of manual lighter, commonly known as a permanent match, contains a well of lighter fuel in which a metal-enclosed wick sits in. This metal matchstick is then struck to a flint, igniting the fuel-soaked wick inside the tube. Various companies have made these over the years, in portable and table lighter forms.
The semiautomatic lighter first appeared about 1922, and is still standard for many reusable lighters. The user will flip open the lid or push a button that opens the cover, which will simultaneously spin a flint wheel and ignite the wick. This is a common design for table lighters.
Ultimately, the automatic lighter was created by Louis Aronson, founder of Ronson lighters, in 1926. Nicknamed the “Banjo” for its distinctive shape, the design became immensely popular. Aronson was telling the truth when he released it with the ad slogan “Push, it’s lit; Release, it’s out.” The automatic lighter requires only one motion – the push of a button – to create the flame, and as long as it’s held down, the flame stays lit.
All the aforementioned lighters ran on naptha, a petroleum mixture that would be poured into a well filled with cotton, where the wick could absorb it. In the late 1940’s, new technology arrived on the scene, and soon many people favored the new butane lighters. The compressed butane, as opposed to naptha, allowed the user to control the flame intensity, and eliminated the need for a wick. Others claim that butane became popular because it had a less pervasive odor than naptha – though most people I know who use lighters or who grew up around smokers are nostalgic for the smell of a naptha lighter. Butane lighters are the most common type today, as butane is the fuel of choice for disposable lighters, such as Bic, that you’d buy in a grocery store.
Lesser known than their flint-based counterparts, Piezoelectric lighters were first marketed in the late 1950’s. Piezoelectrcity was discovered in the early 1800’s, but wasn’t used for lighters until Ronson started making them. Piezoelectricity works by creating compressed pressure between quartz crystals, creating an electric spark.
Though lighters have changed drastically over the years in terms of design and technology, one brand remains nearly unchanged since it was founded over 75 years ago. The Zippo Manufacturing Company was founded by George Blaisdell in Bradford, PA, in 1932. Presumably Blaisdell liked the sound of the word ‘zipper,’ and thought ‘Zippo’ sounded modern and hi-tech. Inspired by an Austrian lighter which claimed to be windproof, Blaisdell improved on the design, creating a product almost identical to the Zippo we know today.
Zippos became immensely popular over the next few years, and their sturdy, windproof construction made them ideal for soldiers. They were standard issue during WWII, and when supplies ran short, miniature lighters were made out of two top halves, saving metal. This vintage of Zippos is hard to find, as many were left behind or lost, and those that survive are extremely valuable. Many of the lighters made for soldiers were covered in a ‘black crackle’ finish that soldiers could carve names and drawings into with knives or pins. ‘Trench art,’ as it has become known, increases the value of a Zippo lighter significantly.
Zippo became an aesthetic icon, as well as one of functionality and quality. By the 1950’s Zippo was making custom-decorated lighters for different companies, clubs, and teams to be used as advertising or gifts. It wasn’t uncommon for businesses to give monogrammed lighters to their employees for celebrations of service or retirements. Introduced in 1956, the Zippo Slim was another development, adding a thinner, sleeker lighter to the company’s lineup.
Today, Zippos can be found with any number of designs, ranging from sports teams’ logos to tattoo-style art. What makes Zippo unique is its design that has remained nearly unchanged for over 75 years, plus its lifetime guarantees. If a Zippo breaks, it can be sent to the factory for free repair. As a collector myself, I enjoy being able to have all my pieces working, to say the least. Zippos are also popular among collectors because each lighter since 1955 has been stamped with a date code, and for pre ‘55 lighters, the year can be identified by a number of features of the stamping. This information is readily available on the internet, making it easy for a collector to get started.
Though Zippo is considered its own genre within the lighter-collecting world, non-Zippo collectors have just as much to work with. Dunhill lighters, for example, were introduced in Britain in 1923 to immediate success. Ever since, Dunhills have been regarded as the cream of the lighter crop, with new models selling for as much as a thousand dollars. Older models are even more valuable, starting with the single-wheel flint and naptha styles dating from the 20’s, and the single and double-wheel butane lighters from the 1930’s. Though WWII slowed down business greatly, Dunhill made a comeback in the 1950’s with their thumbroller-ignition lighters, a design which is virtually unchanged today.
On the less-pricey side of the spectrum, Ronson has been making reliable lighters for almost 100 years. Known for inventing the fully automatic lighter in 1926, Ronson’s designs have been copied continuously since then. And the automatic lighter isn’t Ronson’s only claim to fame. The company also made the first refillable gas lighter, the first adjustable-flame gas lighter, the first plastic lighter, and the first electronic-spark system. Their most famous models, the Varaflame and the Comet, are highly sought by collectors worldwide.
I’ve only mentioned three famous brands, but as I said before, the potential for lighter collecting is endless. Just to name a few other brands, Penguin, Colibri, ST Dupont, Scripto, and Evans have all enjoyed rich histories as well.
With the drop in popularity of smoking, reusable lighters have become rarer, but companies such as Zippo are still going strong, and there appears to be a renewed interest in them. There are hundreds of lighter collecting clubs around the world, and more are founded every year, so collecting is now a popular hobby for all ages.
Good luck, and happy hunting!
Do you have an article you’d like us to publish as a guest column in The Collectors Weekly? Let us know.
What a great collectible and article! Thanks so much for sharing your story and collection. Good luck with school. Caty
Hello,
Thank you for the information! I came across your site researching a Zippo lighter I just purchased at a garage sale. It is old and just learned it is a black crackle zippo: 3 barrel, 14 hole chimney, humped spring, 2032695,made of solid steel, and rounded bottom. According to the grandson I purchased the lighter from, it belonged to his grandfather who was stationed in France in WWII. His grandfather found it under a dead German soldier he was dragging away for burial. I am discussing with the grandson to write down as much history as possible about this. What makes the lighter unique is that it appears all the black paint was scraped off except the black paint found in the stamp on the bottom and a little bit missed on the back. There are four coins silver soldered onto the lighter. One is a Russian coin with hammer and cycle and CCCP on it. The other three I have not identified. I did not realize that this is a trench art zippo until yesterday. The lighter works etc. but is rough because of the black paint being scraped off. I have no clue on it’s value. What is interesting is this lighter was made 40 miles from where I live, made it’s way into a German’s hands, (where he got it who knows). Has a Russian coin on it. And then ends up in the hands of a US troop stationed in France who happened to live here in Warren, Pa. There is alot more to this story that probably can never be constructed. Any comments are welcomed.
Does anyone know how i can repair my 1968 Kreisler butane lighter. T hank you….Lee
Hello, read your artical about zippo lighters. Do you know where I can sell a art deco ,model -1847- Dunhill “Unique” The name is the Unique.This dunhill is made in England as all dunhill’s are made. I beleave it was made in the late 1920’s. It does not have the original box not any papers eithe . It is authetic and given to me 30 years ago by some buisness associte from England.It works and looks perfect. Thank you George. P.S. I do not want to sell it on E-Bay . Don’t know how to do that and I want the maximum for it. The true value. my phone number is 954-548-6901.
I HAVE WHAT APPEARS TO BE A WORLD WAR II ERA LIGHTER.I DON’T THINK IT’S A ZIPPO.ON THE FRONT IT HAS A MAP OF THE ISLAND OF JAPAN,AND ON THE BOTTOM THE WORDS ARE STAMPED AS FOLLOWS. ( M.S.K CO GI NO.525 QUEEN LUCKY)CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT I HAVE?THANK YOU,TIM
I have a 1971 Dupont silver lighter which is still in its original casing in excellent condition (never been used) containing instruction book, guarantee etc. with a factory series no. E0665. It was purchased in Singapore in 1973. Does anyone have any idea who to contact for a valuation as I now wish to sell the lighter.
I have a round cig. lighter about the size of a silver dollar.I found it about 45 yrs ago.It has engraving on both sides.A crest of some sort on the other side with the date 1650 at the bottom.I’m sure thats not the date it was made. It pulls apart in the middle and uses flint and fluid.
I am looking for lighters that were popular in the 1950s(?). They were clear and had fishing lures suspended in them..where would I find these antiques/collectibles?
I recently came across a vintage Georgia Tech De Luxe Blue-Bird musical lighter that plays the Ga. Tech fight song when wound up. Everything is in working condition and it is still in the original box. The condition is pretty good with just a small amount of enamel chipped in the back along with some very slight pitting in the chrome, also on the back. Any ideas on what the value would be?
I have a Kreisler silver lighter in the orginal case, cleaning brush.instructions paper,nozzel, flint never used,(lighter accessories ). Also the butane fuel can . The case has # 15507. Any ideas on the age and value . thanks for any help. john
I have an old lighter signed with the initials RW. Does anyone know what name they stand for? WHo made it and where? Thank You
I have an Evans combination lighter/cigarette case/snuff box, that belonged to my brother in laws father. I remember him using it as far back as the late 40’s. I’ve been searching for information on it and found many Evans lighters/cases valued from about $10 to $100, but have not found one of any make, that included the snuff box in the cover (it still has snuff in it). Unfortunately the condition is not very good and although I believe it is restorable, it is not functional now.
I am very surprised to find there are no dedicated cigarette lighter collectors forums on the net.
If anyone can provide any info on this lighter I’d greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Smiley
I have a silver/silver plated looking table cigarette lighter. I do not know how old it is. It is shaped like a Cornorcopia, on a short pedestal. It is about 6 inches long, and 3 inches tall. Does anyone know how old it is and who made it? Thanks
I bought a HUGE zippo lighter about 8 INCHES HEIGHT AND 6 INCHES WITH, I believe it is all silver. IT HAS A VERY LARGE ROPE LIKE WICK. CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS LIGHTER? tHANKS
I recently came across old lighter of my dad’s from being in the service but can’t find any information about the lighter. Can anyone help? It is a silver lighter(zippo look alike) that has the name “Super Ace” on the front of the lighter it has engraved:
5TH STRAT RECON
WING (H)
I have a lighter hat I purchased in summer of
1952.It is Ronson Whirlwind.Purchaed in the
Army PX.On the bottom it is written that the
US patent #19023 expired June 12,1952.Is this
worth collector value?Thanks,Bob
I jsut came across an old Coronet lighter, with the Sealtest logo on both sides. At one time there was a sealtest dairy in our area. Would this be of any value to a collector?
Nice article, I learned a few things….& thankyou!
I started collecting trench lighters from ww 1 back in the eary ’70s. On occasion at rummage, garage,antique,& gunshows thats all that I was interested in…..untill I tried E-bay in march of 2009.
Please, someone stop me! I now have a collection of the unusual, obscure, & unique. 1870’s cigar table lamp lighter, to a collection of strange Occ. Japan lighters, to one of the newer lighters in my collection…a Cricket (Bic style) Nixon “Hot Seat” Watergate Throw-away.
Any Idea what the most complete pricing guide available is titled, & who the author might be??
P.S. I need to stop spending every extra dollar I make…but I sure enjoy the hobby!
My father in the early 1950’s invented a lucite type lighter. I do not know alot about lighters, but i remember something about dual vessels in the lighter so you do not run out of the lighter fluid as quickly. I have several of these left. I know he sold his patent to a lighter company? I would love any info or interest in these. The original name was MASONLITE. They came in several colors, red, orange, clear, green & blue.
BARCLAY lighter parts required.
I have just found my late brother’s Barclay lighter that he received for a 21st birthday present in 1953. Unfortunately, it has the plunger missing. The plunger activates the flint wheel and also lifts the cap off the wick.
Can anyone help me in finding replacement parts or advise me what to do. This lighter would have been manufactured in the 1950’s I would emagine.
Best Rgds
information needed.have manual lighter,round shape,looks like brass.no brand or company name nor any letters,numbers,identifying marks.one side has a eagle,wings spread,head facing left.left leg grasping olive branch,right grasping three arrows.21 stars above head in three concentric rows.other side has a union shield with wreath underneath.above are 14 stars in two concentric rows.thank you.
I have read the information contributed by Eric Beeson on vintage cigarette lighters. I have two vintage cigarette lighters that I am interested in asking him questions. I have one that I have never seen anywhere. It was given to me as a gift. The other has a sticker with initials of the manufacturer but the complete name is not spelled out. Can you help me in getting touch with Eric? Thank you very much.
I stumbled onto your article while searching for an old lighter I once had.
It was shaped like a lions head with open mouth and operated by pulling back the ears. It ran on butane and was solid brass I believe. If that is the same as the one you found or you have any leads as to where i can find one I would appreciate the feedback. It meant a great deal to me and was misplaced somewhere never to be found.
I have come across an St Dupont vintage lighter. It has on the bottom just one fill screw the #’s DH6378 along with the name and paris made in france and the little square.It is a smaller model, with the gold insides and it is silver itself. Can you tell me anything about this lighter?
Art Nouveau pattern petrol lighter. Brass, Circular, with maiden’s head in profile (long flowing tresses) on both sides. French style/classic art nouveau, appx 3″ in diameter. Artist’s signature, de Feure at bottom.
Anyone out there seen one or own one? Don’t think its a one-off, but research has failed to come up with any others. De Feure was a painter, late 1800’s – early 1900’s, but I believe he was also a medallist.
Please get in touch.
I have a Kentel Glass lighter called Queen of the Orient, on the inside is some beautiful metal artwork, I can’t find any info at all about this lighter anywhere. Does anyone know anything about it? I’m pretty sure that it probably came from overseas. Please help.
My husband purchased a very early cigarette lighter that is shaped like a pistol (he said a flintlock) from an antiques dealer at a street festival today. I tried finding information on it on the ‘net, checking out numerous sites, with no luck. Does anyone have pictures of these types of lighters that we could compare this one to? Thanks for any assistance!
I am seeking a crudely made brass lighter from WWI that belonged to an ancestor and was lost years ago. It is small, rectangular, and has names of various battles engraved on it (Chateau Thierry, Belleau Wood). Any information would be much appreciated!
I have a Ronson Banjo lighter that I can’t find any info on. Brass, engraved/stamped with “Ronson Banjo – This period was the Jazz Age” and it has a record label engraved/stamped – Black Swan Records, Song title: Oh Daddy. Would greatly appreciate any info…
I have a glass Dunhill lighter with a silver top. It is very old. The glass base fits into palm of your hand and features an underwater scene with fish and coral. Bottom says made in England. I would apprecaite any information you may have on this lighter.
To girldiamond45
Re’ your ‘giant’ lighter – I used to have one, based on classic Zippo design, but stamped ‘Japan’ on base. Same size as the one you describe. I believe they are shop window type display models to promote the tobacconist’s trade, chrome finished. I don’t have mine any more (did a swop for something older) but it did make a good talking point!
David
Tim:
Sounds like you have what is called an Aquarium lighter made by Dunhill. Those lighters in just moderate condition can reach in the thousand dollar plus range in an online auction like Ebay. Excellent condition were talking a few thousand dollars… Hard to find and very desireable by collectors worldwide… Just think of it this way… All books are just guides … An item is only worth a collector will pay for it.
Sean McCaskey
seantbird96@aol.com
Beth:
Sounds like you have a homemade lighter wich is called a trench art design lighter… Soldiers used old brass casings to construct there own flame makers… I dont think you will ever find one like it or the same as what you had… You may get close though… Search Ebay… Search word WWI trench art lighters or WWII trench lighters… Alot of people dont know what they have or the time periods they list under is wrong… Good luck !!! Happy hunting.. May be able to get one for a good price !!!!
Sean McCaskey
Vintage Lighter restorer and seller
seantbird96@aol.com
Doug:
HOLD ON TO THAT BANJO LIGHTER !!!! Its ronsons first fully automatic lighter !!!! WOW.. Your lucky to have such a fine lighter and believe me…ITS VALUABLE AS HECK!!! Ronson did remake it for a short spurt in history but the original is still the best !!!! What do you want to know about your lighter?????
Sean McCaskey
seantbird96@aol.com
Ebay:seantbird96
C.Matthews: Sounds like you have a DUNHILL tinder pistol… Very nice and a valuable piece.. Prolly auction around 100-400 dollars depending on condition… May go for more if you have the box and all that…. Retail price is higher … Like an antique store or ?
Sean McCaskey
I purchased at an estate sale what I believe could be a Dunhill table lighter. The item is an aladdin lamp on a ceramic base, the handle resembles a hood ornament at the tip of the lamp is a flame. The lamp is in a silver finish the base has drapes on each side. The lid to the lamp looks like a snuffer on a chain the lighter is missing. In trying to research this I did notice that some of the Dunhill lighters had the flame and wondered if this is their trademark. Any information you could give me would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Lita Grant
Hello Sean,
I have been trying to get an idea of the worth of a BIC style brass case. It has Jack Daniel’s inscribed on the side,
on the bottom CHA S.T.
Kennedy
Pat. Pend. is stamped. Unlike many BIC cases I have seen this one DOES have a lid and the lid is not hinged. I have the original brown fabric drawstring bag it came in. I have had for at least 25 years but I don’t know how old it was when I received it. I have done Ebay (current and completed) search, Google, Yahoo and Frontier searches to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.
Maura
i have what may be a one of a kind lighter . it is all metal ,what ? it looks a dachsund dog , you put the fluid in the belly side , flip the head up to light it . i know it is pre. 1940’s there are no markings anywhere to let you know where it was made , or who made it . any input would be great . thanks a lot.
I have a “vintage” (from what alot of ebay sellers are saying) Sterling Silver Windproof Dunhill lighter. Very odd looking contraption even for an old lighter, was mostly curious about when it was made if indeed it is an old piece. if u know anything please shoot me an email roch1984king@yahoo.com thx
I am interested in knowing anything about the manufacturer Negbaur N.Y. that made airplane cigarette lighters circa 1930’s to 1950[?].
Dates they were in business and if you know where to get parts for these great lighters. Thanks!
I have an Old all brass lighter that was given to me, it’s brass, about
2 1/2″s long, 1 1/4″ wide, and approximately 1/4″ thick. It is rounded
and tapered at both ends, and a brass band about halfway down the lighter, this is the cap section. It has a flint wheel with no chimney and a
single wick. I’ve been searching for info on this lighter, and BTW it still works very well. Any body recognize this type of lighter….
Update to ron :
Is it a WWII trench style lighter ??? May be homemade if brass (OLD SHELL CASINGS)
seantbird96@aol.com
I have a Zippo lighter from the early fifties.
It is engraved Matchwell Sales Limited,Toronto Canada.Your Zippo
Supplier.Any one have any info?
That was Hatchwell Sales Limited (50s)
Thanks
I have a 99% S.T.DuPont lighter, which seems to be either gold on-lay or (hopefully) solid gold. I have twice written to duPont to ask about this lighter, but they never returned my e-mails. I undertand their factory and offices burned down two or three years ago, but have been told they are now back in business. Can anyone be helpful in advising how to obtain information from duPont about a particular lighter. Mine has a serial number on the bottom, which should identify it.
Hello, I recently went though a old box of things my husband had in his army trunk and I found this little black striker lighter. It is 1 1/2 inches long x 1 inche wide, it has a gold or copper striker stick on the top as well as another small looking gold or copper thing on the top. On the side of this little lighter is where you strike the striker stick. On the bottom it reads made in hong kong. Any help is appricated.
I have a scripto clear case lighter with dice inside it it has a black band around the top part of it. it works fine ,very few scratches on it case is very clear please someone tell me what it is worth I would like to sell it.Gambling was not very popular back then with companys and womens groups.
I have a 14K gold zippo case from Bancok 1964 erra. The lighter itself is a zippo but the case has no other markings but the 14k. Itnis gold but I cant locate who made the case section. Any information would be appreciated.
Thank You
T.Clark
Dear sir,
I have an old lighter that could either be a ‘Ronson Crown’ or a ‘Mastercraft’ On the bottom it says: Crown automatic lighter, Pat. No. 90041, Pat No.02357, Japan. It is decorated with an enamaled map of Oregon, showing all the major cities, rivers, and the coast. the other side has an enameled scene of the state capitol. The top is unlike all the old ‘Ronsons’ due to the solid side, next to the button, striker, etc. Any idea when it was made, by who, and value? On the bottom are two different sized screws, which I assume is for filling with gasoline. Ha Ha, just kidding, but thanks for the history lesson. Until next time, A.
tom
please send me a pic and I will tell you what I can about your lighter
Ira Pilossof
Vintage Lighters LLC
PO Box 1325
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
email vintageltr@aol.com
TO all who question a brass Ronson Banjo lighter.
I will give you the history on the Banjo Lighter. The banjo is the Grand daddy of all Ronson Automatic .It is ronsons first fully automatic lighter. The lighters were finished with heavy silver plating with several different engine turn designs. Lighter may have been made in a rare Gold plating too (SUPER RARE). However they NEVER produced the lighter in Brass.
NOTE:
The Banjo lighter design has been copied by a foreign company to deceive people. The fakes are chromium plated or brass in metal. Some of the models have ronson in black enamel on the front that Ronson NEVER did. Also the markings on the snuffer cap and fill screw are different from the original.
Ronson also never put labels ( stampings )that say BLACK swan or any type of advertising on these lighters. They also never had any type of printing on them either. Even though your lighter is stamped with all that info on your lighter.. It is a fake or forgery. Made in a foreign country to deceive people….. May be worth little as a fake… A lot of people do not know this information and i hope this helps people with these lighters that think they have the real deal…
seantbird96@aol.com
Specializing in the sales and service of Vintage lighters