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SHIPPING AVAILABLE > A Group of -5- Vintage Table Cigarette Lighters
This collection includes five vintage cigarette table lighters, all designed for use with lighter fluid. None have been tested for functionality. The details for each lighter are as follows:
Two Oval Lighters – Both are marked RONSON CROWN on the underside. They feature an ornate design with beaded and ribbed details, adding a touch of elegance to their oval shapes.
Oval Lighter Marked JAPAN – Similar in shape to the Ronson models, this lighter carries a JAPAN mark on the underside, suggesting a different origin. Its design and finish add to the cohesive look of the group while providing a distinctive contrast ~ A beaded gadroon design surrounds the shoulder..
Round Lighter Marked IDEALINE - JAPAN – This example has a bronze patina finish panel with intricate designs around the body, depicting various types of antique telephones in relief. The unique theme gives this lighter an artistic, nostalgic appeal.
Glass Urn Lighter – The final lighter in the group is set within a frosted or satin glass urn-shaped base. The translucent, softly textured finish offers a delicate contrast to the metallic tones of the other pieces.
Each lighter adds individual character to this classic collection, making it a diverse set for display or potential restoration.
CONDITION REPORT > As discovered, not cleaned or altered ~ Not tested for functionality ~ Anticipate varying elements relative to age, use and materials and possible lack of flints.
Tabletop lighters like these vintage pieces were both practical and decorative, popular from the early to mid-20th century. These lighters became household items, often displayed prominently on tables, desks, and bars, reflecting an era when smoking was a widely accepted social activity, and accessories related to smoking were designed to be stylish as well as functional.
Tabletop lighters emerged as a popular home accessory in the 1930s, with their heyday stretching through the 1950s and 1960s. Unlike pocket lighters, tabletop models were designed to be larger and more decorative, often doubling as statement pieces. Crafted from various materials—such as metal, glass, ceramic, and even exotic woods—these lighters featured ornate details that aligned with mid-century aesthetics. In addition to functionality, they were crafted to add elegance to living spaces, often displayed in prominent places to serve as conversation pieces.
The popularity of tabletop lighters was tied to the social culture surrounding smoking. Smoking was considered sophisticated and fashionable, especially after World War II. Companies recognized the demand for elegant smoking accessories, which resulted in creative designs that blended utility with art. For example, many tabletop lighters like these were crafted in various styles—some influenced by Art Deco, while others embraced more traditional or even novelty designs, as seen in the example with antique telephones in relief.
The Ronson brand, known globally for its lighters, played a significant role in popularizing both pocket and tabletop lighters. The company began as Art Metal Works, founded by Louis V. Aronson in 1897 in Newark, New Jersey. Initially focused on producing decorative metal pieces and home accessories, Ronson eventually shifted towards developing automatic lighters.
In 1913, Ronson created the Pist-o-liter, an early lighter model that pioneered single-handed operation. Their breakthrough came in 1926 with the invention of the Banjo lighter, which featured an automatic ignition mechanism. This innovation set Ronson apart from competitors and established the brand as a leader in lighter technology.
Ronson's tabletop lighters, such as the Ronson Crown series, became highly collectible. Known for their quality and ornate designs, these lighters often incorporated a mix of metal finishes and classic detailing, making them not only functional but also decorative. By the mid-20th century, Ronson had become a household name, with their lighters symbolizing elegance and convenience. The Ronson Crown models, like those in your collection, are known for their distinctive shapes and classic styling, often seen in high-quality metal finishes.
Today, vintage tabletop lighters from Ronson and similar brands have become collectible items. They represent a unique era in design and social culture, capturing the blend of functionality and artistry that characterized mid-century smoking accessories. Enthusiasts value these pieces for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and nostalgic appeal, with specific models and brands—like Ronson—being especially prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal.
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