Ronson - Crown - No reserve price - Pocket lighter - Silverplate

Ronson "Crown" Table Lighter (Vintage, 1950s)

A genuine and extremely elegant collector's item, this desk lighter combines the mechanical functionality of the golden age of smoking with the refinement of European decorative design from the mid-20th century.

Shape and Style: Massive body with elliptical design, strongly inspired by late Art Deco and Baroque styles. The overall appearance is reminiscent of a silver-plated urn or a miniature royal crown.

Decorative Motifs: It features a rich texture, formed by a prominent central belt with embossed lobes, framed by two rows of fine metallic pearls (stamped beads). The base is flared, stepped, providing excellent stability on flat surfaces.

Finish: Made of a heavy non-ferrous metal alloy, covered with a generous layer of silver (plated). The natural patina of time gives it a special contrast between the shiny and oxidized areas, highlighting the three-dimensional details.

Technical Features and Mechanism

Ignition System: Classic Ronson "Fitall" semi-automatic mechanism based on liquid fuel (gasoline) and flint. By pressing the upper flap, the cover rises instantly, and the toothed wheel hits the stone to ignite the cotton wick.

Base Components: On the lower part there is a turquoise-green textile felt collar, designed to protect the furniture from scratches. It has two massive metal screws with a straight slot: a central one for the gasoline supply and a secondary one for the spring rod of the stone.

Authentic Markings (Provenance)

The base features original, clear and deep stampings, which attest to its historical value:

RONSON CROWN – The name of the world-renowned American manufacturer and the official name of the model.

MADE IN ENGLAND – Produced in the subsidiary factory in the UK (Leatherhead, Surrey), a highly sought-after variant on the European market.

Reg. No 850881 – The official registration number of the British patent, which dates this design variant to the period 1949–1954.

Aesthetics: Good vintage condition, structurally intact, without deformations or deep dents. It shows an authentic oxidation patina specific to old silver and slight fine signs of wear (small surface scratches) that confirm its age and originality.

Mechanism: Complete mechanism, with all original parts in place (including the original springs and screws). The wick is present (requires slight adjustment/cutting), and the device requires the addition of a new stone and filling with gasoline to become fully functional.