No reserve price - Pocket lighter - Brass, Silver, Copper

Fully functional Trench Art Lighter from WWI – Made from British Coins (George V) – ca. 1914-1918

Object: Petrol Pocket Lighter

Period: WWI (1914–1918)

Origin: Great Britain / Western Front

Material: Brass, silver/bronze, tin/lead (solders)

Very good, fully functional (only needs to be refueled), with original period patina.

A remarkable piece of military history, Trench Art, handmade by a soldier during WWI. This unique type of lighter was made directly on the front or during periods of rest, using salvaged materials and rudimentary tools.

The lighter is constructed using the classic "sandwich" method: the round, convex body is formed by joining two authentic British coins from the reign of King George V.

Obverse: Shows the profile of King George V with the partially visible inscription "GEORGIVS V DEI GRA BRITT OMN REX".

Reverse: Shows Britannia, the symbolic personification of the British Empire, seated, holding the trident and shield.

Functional mechanism: Unlike most pieces of this type that have mechanisms that are stuck or damaged by time, this lighter is fully functional, with the cogwheel and flint producing a powerful spark. It only needs to be filled with light lighter fluid to be ready for use.

The support for the cogwheel and the wick tube are made of brass, fixed to the body of the lighter by coarse manual soldering with lead, a specific detail that attests to its authenticity and artisanal character.

The protective cap of the wick is provided with an original safety chain to prevent its loss in combat conditions.

The object is in an exceptional state of conservation for its age of over a century. It presents a superb, authentic patina, which has not been chemically cleaned to preserve its historical value and period character. An excellent addition, rarely found in working condition, for any collection dedicated to the Great War or Tobacciana-type objects.

Transport safety: Although the lighter is in perfect working condition, it will be delivered completely unloaded (without petrol). Due to strict postal safety regulations and international aviation rules regarding flammable materials, the transport of the lighter while loaded is strictly prohibited. The new owner will have to personally fuel it after reception.