Old Lighter - Need ID

[Old Pueblo]

Can anyone tell me what kind of lighter this is? I found it in an old garbage dump from the early 1900s. The lid was stuck on there from dirt and so forth and it wasn't until after I soaked it in vinegar overnight that I was able to pull the lid off and find out what it is. There may be a manufacturers mark on the other end, but I cant get the bottom part off. I dont want to damage it trying to get the bottom off, so Im posting it here hoping that maybe one of you can ID for me. Thanks

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

A very similar one on ebaY says it is from the 1940's.

 

[Icewing]

Looks like one of the many variations of WW2 trench lighters.

 

[BosnMate]

Looks like one of the many variations of WW2 trench lighters.

I'd guess WWI. I recollect lighters like that at the army navy surplus store after WWII. At that time I was 9 or 10, a scout, buying camp gear, and we were told they were WWI.

 

[jewelerguy]

years ago I used to have a couple of lighters that were practically identical, but were placed inside a small novelty coca cola bottle and a miller beer bottle. I've seen references on the net that says they are from the 50's but my uncle gave them to me in the 70's and they looked new then. I'm sure the basic manufacturing design of a lighter like that has been around for probably 100 years so unless yours has some distinctive makers marks, it would be pretty hard to date

 

[Old Pueblo]

Thanks all

 

[Old Pueblo]

Just found this here: https://za.pinterest.com/pin/667869819711082662/. Says its World War I era.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

It's not a trench lighter (those were designed to hide the flame).

But it may have been used in war. Small and handy.

 

[Old Pueblo]

It's not a trench lighter (those were designed to hide the flame).

But it may have been used in war. Small and handy.

It just so happens there was a World War I army camp in the old town I found it in. Do you think it came from one of them?

 

[tamrock]

It just so happens there was a World War I army camp in the old town I found it in. Do you think it came from one of them?

Good possiblity.

 

[tamrock]

It's not a trench lighter (those were designed to hide the flame).

But it may have been used in war. Small and handy.

That's trure, but if you look up [trench lighter] you'll see many varieties of this type of simple and cheap lighter.