Antique lighter

By quintanad2, 27 November, 2012
Description

This was my dads lighter that was given to me when he past away, I am not sure who he got it from but when I was little it was already an antique and looked very old too me. You spin the wheel with your thumb which creates a spark and then lights the wick. When you want the flame out you just flip down the lid cap which still snaps down firmly and accuratly. On the bottom you unscrew an insert and that is where you pour in the lighter fluid. It's estimated value is $2,500.

Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
silver
Distinguishing marks
Dunhill
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
2" by 1 1/2"
Date Period
unknown
Weight
unknown
History
This is my dads lighter that was given to me when he past away. I am not sure who or where he got it from but when I was little it was an antique already. You spin the thumb wheel which creates a spark and lights the wick which is saturated with the lighter fluid. You unscrew an area on the bottom to refill the fluid when needed. It's estimated value is $2,500. It is a Dunhill and also has a registration number on it, a pat. number on it and says made in England.
eBay Auction Link
Price
$2,500 OBO
For Sale?
Yes
Photos

fishwhacker

12 years 5 months ago

This is what is known as a lift arm petrol wick lighter. I would say it dates as early as the mid to late 1920s and as late as the mid 1940s. As to value, these are very collectible and yours is in great shape, but realistically they routinely sell for $50-150 depending on selling venue, condition, with/without box etc. I would expect this one to fetch around the upper end of that spectrum as it is in great condition. You can search completed listings on ebay for "dunhill lighter lift arm petrol" and will see multiple examples similar to yours such as this one, which sold for $115~.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-DUNHILL-STANDARD-LIFT-ARM-PETROL-POCKET-LIGHTER-c-1940s-/380504546383?pt=UK_Collectables_Tobacciana_Smoking_LE&hash=item5897d69c4f

 

I'm not sure where you are refrencing the $2500 from but I don't see any situation that would bring this lighters value anywhere near that. To approach those prices you would have to have an absolutely exquisite extremely rare lighter, most likely solid gold. It would be worth browsing the "completed listings" on ebay that have actually sold from the highest to the lowest prices for a reality check value wise. Regardless, again the piece is beautiful, very collectible, and I'm sure will always have more sentimental value then monetary value.

*Posting a picture of the markings/hallmarks on the bottom of the lighter will help to more accurately date the piece and will show if it is solid silver or silver plated.

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I actually wouldn't be suprised if it approached up to $200-300 to somone who really wanted it at online auction if you did sell, a similar piece sold recently through a retailer with the box for about $450, but prices are really all over the board.

 

Thanks again for sharing

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