No reserve price - Lighter - Copper, Brass
05
days
08
hours
36
minutes
23
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Sebastian Schulze
Has over 20 years' expertise in vintage fountain pens and auction consulting.
Estimate € 140 - € 210
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Description from the seller
Set of 3 antique book-shaped lighters – Poilu-style lighters – Brass and copper – circa 1914-1930
Beautiful set of 3 antique collectible lighters shaped like miniature books, also called “missal” lighters, dating likely from the early 20th century.
These models evoke smoking accessories from the World War I period, in particular the so-called “poilu” lighters.
Their original design reproduces the look of small antique books, with metallic covers, spines imitating bindings, and decorative corner reinforcements.
The set comprises three distinct models, each with specific characteristics.
1. Large two-tone book lighter – (OUTER CASE ONLY, EMPTY INSIDE - see photo)
Large model featuring a two-tone metallic cover in patinated brass and copper tones.
Its back reproduces the binding of an old volume, with several raised metal ridges and reinforced corner pieces.
Important: this copy is incomplete. It no longer has its inner ignition mechanism, nor striker stone, nor cotton for the fuel. Only the exterior case is present.
Nonetheless, it remains a beautiful antique collectible item, potentially of interest to a collector who wishes to restore it or complete a similar model.
2. Copper book lighter with decorative corners (OUTER CASE ONLY, EMPTY INSIDE - see photo)
Medium-sized model featuring a copper-toned metallic cover with a fine old patina.
The corners are adorned with small decorative yellow-metal pieces, while the back shows several ridges reproducing a traditional binding.
This copy is well preserved considering its age.
3. Small floral-decorated book lighter – Outer case only (OUTER CASE ONLY, EMPTY INSIDE - see photo)
Elegant smaller-format model with a metallic cover in golden- and greenish patina.
Its front features beautiful engraved motifs of swirls and stylized foliage.
The corners include decorative copper reinforcements, while the back reproduces an old binding.
The sliding opening mechanism is visible in the photographs.
Important: this copy is also incomplete. It no longer has its inner ignition mechanism, nor striker stone, nor cotton for the fuel. Only the outer structure is preserved.
Its floral decor and miniature size nevertheless make it a particularly interesting item for collection or restoration.
Overall condition and conservation
The three objects are old and show a beautiful natural patina, with scratches, oxidation traces, and signs of use consistent with their age.
The covers, bindings, and decorative elements are well preserved.
Two pieces (Nos. 1 and 3) are incomplete and no longer have their inner mechanisms. They are offered as collectible items or for restoration.
An original collection of three antique book-shaped objects, interesting for Poilu lighters enthusiasts, old-world craftsmanship, and historical curiosities.
The removable mechanical elements are present and photographed separately (for lighters that possess a complete mechanism).
The lighters have been kept without fuel and without lighter stones to limit degradation during storage. Plan to install a stone and refill before first use.
The photographs are an integral part of the description.
Set of 3 antique book-shaped lighters – Poilu-style lighters – Brass and copper – circa 1914-1930
Beautiful set of 3 antique collectible lighters shaped like miniature books, also called “missal” lighters, dating likely from the early 20th century.
These models evoke smoking accessories from the World War I period, in particular the so-called “poilu” lighters.
Their original design reproduces the look of small antique books, with metallic covers, spines imitating bindings, and decorative corner reinforcements.
The set comprises three distinct models, each with specific characteristics.
1. Large two-tone book lighter – (OUTER CASE ONLY, EMPTY INSIDE - see photo)
Large model featuring a two-tone metallic cover in patinated brass and copper tones.
Its back reproduces the binding of an old volume, with several raised metal ridges and reinforced corner pieces.
Important: this copy is incomplete. It no longer has its inner ignition mechanism, nor striker stone, nor cotton for the fuel. Only the exterior case is present.
Nonetheless, it remains a beautiful antique collectible item, potentially of interest to a collector who wishes to restore it or complete a similar model.
2. Copper book lighter with decorative corners (OUTER CASE ONLY, EMPTY INSIDE - see photo)
Medium-sized model featuring a copper-toned metallic cover with a fine old patina.
The corners are adorned with small decorative yellow-metal pieces, while the back shows several ridges reproducing a traditional binding.
This copy is well preserved considering its age.
3. Small floral-decorated book lighter – Outer case only (OUTER CASE ONLY, EMPTY INSIDE - see photo)
Elegant smaller-format model with a metallic cover in golden- and greenish patina.
Its front features beautiful engraved motifs of swirls and stylized foliage.
The corners include decorative copper reinforcements, while the back reproduces an old binding.
The sliding opening mechanism is visible in the photographs.
Important: this copy is also incomplete. It no longer has its inner ignition mechanism, nor striker stone, nor cotton for the fuel. Only the outer structure is preserved.
Its floral decor and miniature size nevertheless make it a particularly interesting item for collection or restoration.
Overall condition and conservation
The three objects are old and show a beautiful natural patina, with scratches, oxidation traces, and signs of use consistent with their age.
The covers, bindings, and decorative elements are well preserved.
Two pieces (Nos. 1 and 3) are incomplete and no longer have their inner mechanisms. They are offered as collectible items or for restoration.
An original collection of three antique book-shaped objects, interesting for Poilu lighters enthusiasts, old-world craftsmanship, and historical curiosities.
The removable mechanical elements are present and photographed separately (for lighters that possess a complete mechanism).
The lighters have been kept without fuel and without lighter stones to limit degradation during storage. Plan to install a stone and refill before first use.
The photographs are an integral part of the description.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Material
Brass, Copper
Country of origin
France
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
In working order
No
Period
1910-1920
