Ronson - Empress Varaflame - No reserve price - Table lighter - Onyx

04
days
21
hours
37
minutes
31
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Sebastian Schulze
Expert
Selected by Sebastian Schulze

Has over 20 years' expertise in vintage fountain pens and auction consulting.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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ROBidder 9016
€1

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Description from the seller

Elegant mid-century Ronson “Empress” Varaflame table lighter, featuring a substantial natural onyx body with gilt-tone metal top.
This model belongs to Ronson’s Varaflame series, introduced in 1957 as a technical innovation allowing adjustable flame control — a revolutionary development in gas table lighters at the time.
The Empress model combines refined modernist geometry with the luxurious weight and translucency of polished onyx, creating a sculptural desk object typical of the 1960s decorative aesthetic.
The lighter retains its original Ronson presentation box, booklet and cleaning brush (visible in photos).

Details
• Manufacturer: Ronson

• Model: Empress – Varaflame

• Period: circa 1960s

• Origin: European production

• Material: natural onyx base, gilt-tone metal top

• Fuel type: gas (Varaflame system)

• Adjustable flame mechanism

• With original box, booklet and cleaning brush

Dimensions (approx.)
• Length: 10.5–11 cm

• Width: 4 cm

• Height: 6.5–7 cm

• Weight: approx. 712 g
Substantial and heavy — true desk quality.

Condition
Good vintage condition.
• Natural variations and banding in the onyx

• Minor age-related surface wear consistent with age

• Mechanism present (untested; sold as collectible)

• Box shows light wear consistent with age
Please examine photos carefully as they form part of the description.

Design & Collectibility
The Empress model represents the elegant transition from classical petrol lighters to mid-century gas technology. The combination of natural stone and precision metalwork makes it both functional object and decorative statement.
Ideal for collectors of Ronson, mid-century desk accessories, or stone decorative objects.

Shipping
• Carefully packed
. Tracked and insured shipping


Elegant mid-century Ronson “Empress” Varaflame table lighter, featuring a substantial natural onyx body with gilt-tone metal top.
This model belongs to Ronson’s Varaflame series, introduced in 1957 as a technical innovation allowing adjustable flame control — a revolutionary development in gas table lighters at the time.
The Empress model combines refined modernist geometry with the luxurious weight and translucency of polished onyx, creating a sculptural desk object typical of the 1960s decorative aesthetic.
The lighter retains its original Ronson presentation box, booklet and cleaning brush (visible in photos).

Details
• Manufacturer: Ronson

• Model: Empress – Varaflame

• Period: circa 1960s

• Origin: European production

• Material: natural onyx base, gilt-tone metal top

• Fuel type: gas (Varaflame system)

• Adjustable flame mechanism

• With original box, booklet and cleaning brush

Dimensions (approx.)
• Length: 10.5–11 cm

• Width: 4 cm

• Height: 6.5–7 cm

• Weight: approx. 712 g
Substantial and heavy — true desk quality.

Condition
Good vintage condition.
• Natural variations and banding in the onyx

• Minor age-related surface wear consistent with age

• Mechanism present (untested; sold as collectible)

• Box shows light wear consistent with age
Please examine photos carefully as they form part of the description.

Design & Collectibility
The Empress model represents the elegant transition from classical petrol lighters to mid-century gas technology. The combination of natural stone and precision metalwork makes it both functional object and decorative statement.
Ideal for collectors of Ronson, mid-century desk accessories, or stone decorative objects.

Shipping
• Carefully packed
. Tracked and insured shipping


Details

Era
1900-2000
No. of items
1
Manufacturer/brand
Ronson
Model / Type
Empress Varaflame
Material
Onyx
Country of Origin
Europe
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
In working order
No
Width
4 cm
Length
11 cm
Period
1960-1970
ItalyVerified
New
on Catawiki
Private

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