✅ SOLVED Old Ronson lighter in the woods

[Beeps in my sleep]

I was metal detecting in the woods and found this nice little Ronson lighter or what's left of it. Can anybody tell me how old it is? It also looks like it has been personally engraved with the name KEA . I was thinking 1950-s.

 

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[PickTime]

It reminds me of a style I saw often throughout the 60’s, but I am not sure when the style began.

 

[Red-Coat]

I just did a quick check and it looks as is the reference number 19,023 is not a patent number as such, but the reference number for the re-issue of the original 1933 patent to extend it by a further seven years beyond its expiry. I presume that's what the 'RE' denotes. The re-issue validated further protection running from 17th June 1945 until final expiry on 12th June 1952.

The patent was not for the lighter itself, but for the technology to “ignite a wick by a shower of sparks”. So, I think the lighter must have been made between those dates, but a particular model could have a narrower dating within that 1945-1952 period.

 

[Beeps in my sleep]

I just did a quick check and it looks as is the reference number 19,023 is not a patent number as such, but the reference number for the re-issue of the original 1933 patent to extend it by a further seven years beyond its expiry. I presume that's what the 'RE' denotes. The re-issue validated further protection running from 17th June 1945 until final expiry on 12th June 1952.

The patent was not for the lighter itself, but for the technology to “ignite a wick by a shower of sparks”. So, I think the lighter must have been made between those dates, but a particular model could have a narrower dating within that 1945-1952 period.

Thank you Red-Coat !

 

[Frankyg]

I was metal detecting in the woods and found this nice little Ronson lighter or what's left of it. Can anybody tell me how old it is? It also looks like it has been personally engraved with the name KEA . I was thinking 1950-s.

I found one a few years ago in the UK that was in very poor condition. Badly corroded and encrusted. While I was researching it I noticed Ronson's lifetime guarantee so I sent it off to them for a laugh. I was amazed a month or so later when they sent me the lighter back with the case cleaned and with all the working parts replaced free of charge!