Posted 13 years ago
Redsetter
(1 item)
This is a very small cigarette lighter in chrome. It has a flying bird and a crown on back and front. It's size is about 2.5 cms dia and has a flint wheel and wick on top and 2 screws at the bottom.
Has anyone any idea of how old it might be or who it was produced by.
It is British and features the Royal Air Force (RAF) insignia.
While the RAF had its beginnings at the end of WW1, I would think this dates from the early part of WW2.
Have you looked closely to see if there are any hallmarks or small stamped letters of figures on the item?
Scott
I don’t know anything about the lighter itself, but based on the insignia, it would appear to be British from between 1918 and 1953. I know that does not narrow it down much.
The crown and eagle is a version of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) insignia used since 1918. The shape of the crown, known as a “king’s crown” was changed when Elizabeth II became queen in 1953.
Many thanks for the comments. They were most useful. However, I would love to know more, ie why so small and if they were RAF were they standard issue.
I'm fairly confident something like this would not be an issue item, but a private purchase. It’s a bit too fancy, it’s a personal comfort item, and issue stuff tends to get marked with stock numbers, serials, and other information which I think you would have mentioned.
As to its size, I can only guess that a pilot or air crewman may have found a small lighter convenient.
Agree with Chris it is not an issue item.
Did you find any small markings on it?
Scott
Thank you so much for helping me with this. I feel it might have been pretty dodgy to light a cigarette whilst in a Spitfire or Lancaster, but then the RAF took so many risks, I guess one more wouldn't make any difference! There are no other markings on the outside although I haven't undone the screws yet. If I fine anything more, will let you know. Many many thanks for your help
your item was manufactured by one of the most important lighter manufacturers of the 20th century. it was made in asmara eritrea circa mid 1940's. it is formed by using buttons from raf flyer jackets or shirts. it is missing its snuffer cap.
Very cool. It also explains the size!