Cigarette lighter collecting?

[Dean in Ct.]

Does anyone around here collect cigarette lighters? I have just inherited a hundred or so and really can't find a good way to deal with them. Mostly from the 40's thru the end of the century. Table lighters, pocket lighters, cigarette cases (with or without) lighters. Some Zippo,which seem to command a high price but I don't at a glance think there is anything to plan my retirement around...
Can anyone help?
Dean

[Lonnie Mac]

Are you looking for an idea on how to display them? I collect lighters. Mostly Zippo, but I have some other real rare lighters.

[D.J.]

I used to collect lighters until I stopped smoking in 1988 . You might want to get some advice from a dealer you trust before you try to sell the lighters . You might be surprised to learn that a few collectable lighters can be very valuable and they can also be dangerous . The supplied fluid can be toxic and some lighters have been banned and are not legal to own in their original condition . I have two "AIR LIGHTERS" that I store in a metal box in the garage because it would probably void my insurance if I kept them in the house . I will not show a picture of them but I will show one with toxic fluid and a slight danger factor . These lighters do not require a spark or any other source of ignition . When exposed to air they light . If you want to sell your lighters , I would suggest eBay . You will have to list them creatively because there are thousand 0f lighters for sale .

[cuyeda]

C'mon... the curious wanna see pictures!

[48Rob]

Interesting theory...

I can see why one might consider them dangerous.

http://www.toledo-bend.com/VCL/articles ... lektrolite

Rob

[D.J.]

Sorry to peak your interest and then run . The lighters look like and are the same size as a plastic lipstick tube . When you remove the cap , a web of thin wires attached to a central insulator would glow red hot and ignite the fumes from the fuel stored in the absorbent material at the bottom of the lighter . The thin plastic outer tube of the lighter would quickly deteriorate . When the plastic failed and cracked or split the lighters could and would light . The lighter would also self ignite while being refuelled . The final straw for the lighters was in the late 50's and early 60's when letter and package bombs started to appear . As soon as the package was opened and the filament was exposed to air the package contents would ignite . The lighters were not illegal to own but the wire filament was . It was considered to be bomb making material . As for not showing a picture , would you show a picture of yourself firing your fully automatic AR-16 . I did a search to see if I could show you someone else's lighter and could not find one . Flame on . ..... D.J.

[Dean in Ct.]

Here's a picture of one that made me think I should learn more. Apparently as of a 2002 price guide it was worth about $100 in good condition. Mint was $240, clearly this is not, but that was 11 years ago


I know a hand application of some chrome polish would really make it look a lot better, but I also know that a lot of collectors want things "as found".
Advice?

[48Rob]

Advice?

Never touch anything if you aren't an expert in the restoration and valuation of the item.

Rob