Military Lighter and Cigarette Cases

Under the close-fitting cap is an aluminum lighter.  It appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  There is a spare wick in the cap, and one installed in the lighter. The batting appears to be intact as well.

The base measures two inches square and it is made in three pieces assembled together with four steel pin feet.

It measures 4-1/2 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view with the cap off exposing the lighter internals.

It dates to WWII and it belonged to an OSS/SOE demolitions trainer.

The condition is near excellent throughout.

It appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  There is a screw cap covering the wick.

The bronze nut measures 1-1/8 inches across and 5/16 inches wide.

This is a view of the front.

It dates to WWII.  The condition is near excellent throughout with routine tarnish.

It appears to be complete and functional, including a standard size flint.  There is a screw cap covering the wick.

The lighter measures 1-3/4 inches (44mm) in diameter and may have been made from an old pocket watch case.

This is a view of the back.

It predates WWI -- most likely late-19th century from the style of eagle and shield.  The condition is near excellent throughout with routine tarnish.

It appears to be complete and functional, including a standard size flint.  There is a screw cap covering the wick.

The lighter measures 1-1/2 inches (40mm) in diameter and may have been made from an old pocket watch case.

This is a view of the top.

It predates WWI -- most likely late-19th century to very early 20th century from the style of pre-Zeppelin airship. 

The nude woman is surrounded by wheat sheaves and grape vines.

The condition is near excellent throughout with routine tarnish.

Under the close-fitting cap is a custom made lighter assembly.  It appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint and the wick is absent, as shown here.

It measures 3-1/2 inches high.

This is a view of the lighter closed, and a view of the "LC 42" headstamp.

The condition is near excellent throughout, except as noted above.

While not technically a lighter, these are often seen converted into lighters.  There is a single narrow neck screw cap covered neck, as shown.  It has the GOTT MIT UNS legend, and raised Imperial crown design on both sides.

The flask measures 2 inches (53mm) in diameter.

This is a view of the back.

It dates to WWI. The condition is near excellent throughout with routine tarnish.

The case is a custom design with the profile of a C-141 transport and USAF emblem on one side and the name, address and phone number of James Quality Jewelers of Bangkok on the other.  It appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  There is a wick in the lighter. The batting appears to be intact as well..

It measures 2-1/4 inches high and 1-3/8 across.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the maker marks.

The condition is near very good throughout.

The case is a custom design with the profile of a C-141 transport and USAF emblem on one side and the name, address and phone number of James Quality Jewelers of Bangkok on the other.  It appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  There is a wick in the lighter. The batting appears to be intact as well..

It measures 2-1/4 inches high and 1-3/8 across.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the maker marks.

The condition is near excellent throughout.  This is virtually identical to the one above, only in better overall condition.

The case is a custom engraved floral design. It is designed to accommodate a standard size lighter internals. There is no lighter present, this is just the exterior case..

It measures 2-1/4 inches high and 1-3/8 across.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the 800 (coin) silver content mark.

The condition is near excellent throughout.  There is deep tarnish overall, and it remains in excellent condition.

The case has a map of Italy with enamel flag and Leaning Tower of Pisa on one side and my name, unit and location of one of my former duty stations (DET 4 12th Air Postal Squadron Taranto) on the other.  It appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  There is a wick in the lighter. The batting appears to be intact as well..

It measures 1-3/4 inches wide and 1-5/8 high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the EVEREADY Made in Germany maker marks.

The condition is near very good throughout.

The case has the coat of arms in enamel on one side and "ALOHA HAWAII" with an enamel scene of the view of Diamond Head on the other.  It appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  There is a wick in the lighter. The batting appears to be intact as well.

This lighter is over 50 years old, predating Statehood (1957)

It measures 1-5/8 inches wide and 1-3/8 high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the SMALL PIGEON AUTOMATIC SUPER LIGHTER P.T. 90041 Made in Japan maker marks.

The condition is near very good throughout.

The artwork features a map of North and South Vietnam, with major cities marked and the dates 1965-1966.  The other side has Da-Nang Viet-Nam 1965-1966 engraved on the lower part of the body.

This lighter was brought back by a member of the 5th Special Forces.  Note the name of Nha Trang where they were based in the early years.

It measures 1-1/2 inches wide by 2- 1/4 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view of the bottom showing th e Coronet Rocky Japan maker marks.

The condition is near good throughout.  The lighter needs tuning, the top is a bit sprung and the guts are seized.

The case has the outline of South Viet Nam in blue enamel and VIET NAM 1966 in red enamel on one side and "AMERICA'S FINEST AT FREEDOMS FRONTIER" with an engraved Special Forces soldier on the other.  The internals are stuck, they need to be eased out, however, it appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  There is a wick in the lighter.

This lighter is over 40 years old and was brought back by a member of the 5th Special Forces.

It measures 1-5/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 high.  It is slightly thinner than a standard Zippo lighter.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the SHARP P.T. 26793 Japan maker marks.

The condition is generally near very good.

The case has the details of Keith L. Anthony assigned to the 15th TC BN NCOOM and the dates of his service (1961-1964 in Korea, 1965-1967 in An Khe Vietnam).  The lighter appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.

This lighter is over 40 years old and was brought back by a member of the 1st Air Cav.

It measures 1-1/8 inches wide and 2-3/4 high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the MARINE PENGUIN GAS maker marks.

The condition is generally near excellent throughout.  This is a very nice example of a very early gas lighter.

The case has the DI of this Naval Support Activity Detachment applied on the side.  These were the people who repaired the Swift Boats (among other vessels) during the time Captain John O'Neil (and Lt. John Kerry) were in Vietnam.  This is a fairly difficult DI to locate.  The lighter appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.

This lighter is over 40 years old and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the KONWAL SUPER "9" and Japan maker marks.

The condition is generally near excellent throughout.

The case has the DI of the US Navy Fleet Aircraft Support Squadron 119 applied on the side with Naval Aviator pilot wings. This unit was assigned variously throughout the Far East in the late 1940s and early 1950s in China and the Philippines.  This is a fairly difficult DI to locate.  The lighter needs some tuning and a minor repair to the hinge.  It is otherwise complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.

This lighter is about 50 years old and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the HIGH QUALITY LIGHTER PENGUIN No. 19531 and Japan maker marks.

The condition is generally near very good throughout.

The case has the DI of the 3rd Naval Construction Battalion applied on the side. This unit was assigned variously throughout the Pacific and Far East in WWII and assigned to Okinawa following the war.  They built the USMC base at Futema, and are currently located at Camp Shields.  This is a fairly difficult early DI to locate.  The lighter needs some moderate tuning and a repair to the hinge.  It is otherwise complete and functional.

This lighter is about 40-50 years old (Vietnam era) and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the HIGH QUALITY LIGHTER PENGUIN No. 19531 and Japan maker marks.

The condition is generally near good throughout.

The case has the DI of the 1st and 2nd Class Petty Officer's Open Mess applied on the side. This unit was assigned to Sasebo Japan.  This is a very difficult DI to locate, as it was a custom design for a VERY small unit.  The lighter needs some minor tuning and a wick and flint replacement.  It is otherwise complete and functional.

This lighter is about 50 years old (early Vietnam era) and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the HIGH QUALITY LIGHTER PENGUIN 1957 and Japan maker marks.

The condition is generally near good throughout.

The case has the DI of the US Navy Anti-Submarine Warfare VS-25 Squadron applied on one side with Naval Aviator pilot wings on the other. This unit was assigned variously throughout the Far East and served in Korea during the war.  This is a fairly difficult DI to locate.  The lighter appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.

This lighter is about 50 years old and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-1/8 inches wide and 2 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the HIGH QUALITY LIGHTER PENGUIN No. 19581 and Japan maker marks.

The condition is generally near excellent throughout.

The case has the DI of the USAF 31st Tac Fgtr Wing applied on one side with unit location on the other. This unit is identified as the Airmen's Open Mess Tuy Hoa.  The name of the lighter appears to be a sweetheart "CARRIE".  The lighter appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  The wick needs to be replaced and it needs a bit of tuning.

This lighter is about 40 years old and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the PENGUIN HIGH QUALITY SHARP LIGHTER and Japan maker marks.

The condition is generally very good to near excellent throughout.

The case has the DI of the US Army 103rd Military Intelligence Battalion (Combat Electronic Warfare and Intelligence)  applied on one side with 3rd Infantry Division emblem on the other. This unit is identified as existing from 1983 to 1986, operating out of Wurzburg, Germany during the latter years of the Cold War.  The lighter is complete and functional.

This lighter was made when the unit was instituted in 1983 and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view of the insides showing the ZIPPO maker marks.

The condition is generally very good to near excellent throughout.

The case has some freckling to the finish on the steel, as shown.

It measures 3-3/8 inches high and 2-1/2 inches wide.

This is a view of the other side.

The condition is generally good to near very good throughout.

The case has the woman and dove found on several Japanese lighter designs.  The lighter appears to be complete and functional, except for a standard size flint.  The wick needs to be replaced and it needs a bit of tuning.

This lighter is about 40 years old and was brought back by a member of the unit.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the WINDPROOF ZENITH PIPE AND CIGARETTE and Japan kanji maker marks.

The condition is generally very good to near excellent throughout.

The case has the woman and dove found on several Japanese lighter designs. There is also a (now politically incorrect) Rebel flag  The lighter is complete and functional, and in the original box.  It is virtually mint.

This lighter is about 40 years old and was brought back by a member of the US Marine Corps stationed at the Marine Barracks, Yokosuka.

It measures 1-3/8 inches wide and 2-1/4 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view from the bottom showing the SOLO SNUFFER CO., S.F. and Japan kanji maker marks.  Note the Pat. Pend. mark.  Snuffer lighters are a bit hard to find in any condition.

The condition is generally near mint throughout.

This particular style of ZIPPO lighter is very difficult to find in any condition.  This one is in very nice shape despite being well-used.

It measures 1-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/4 inches.

This is a view of the other side, and a view of the bottom showing the maker marks.  This lighter has the 2032695 patent number.

It dates to 1942-1945 and has the markings on the interior element consistent with that era.  There are no marks apparent on the outside.  The top and bottom of the lighter are rounded.  It has the original wick and batting. It needs a flint and some tuning to bring it to complete serviceability.

The condition is near very good throughout.

This particular style of lighter is very difficult to find in any condition.  This one is in near excellent shape despite being well-used.

It measures 1-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/8 inches.

This is a view of the other side, and views of inside from the front and back.

It dates to 1942-1945 and has the markings on the interior element consistent with that era.  There are no marks apparent on the outside.  The top and bottom of the lighter are rounded.  It has the original wick and batting. It needs a flint and some tuning to bring it to complete serviceability.

The condition is near excellent throughout.

This particular style of lighter is very difficult to find in any condition.  This one is in near excellent shape despite being well-used.

It measures 1-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/8 inches.

This is a view of the SHERMAN PARK maker marks, and views of inside from the front and back.

It dates to 1942-1945 and has Precision Made by Sherman Park Springfield Ill. U.S.A. markings on the interior element consistent with that era.  There are no marks apparent on the outside.  The top and bottom of the lighter are rounded.  It has the original wick and batting. It needs a flint and some tuning to bring it to complete serviceability.

The condition is near excellent throughout.

This particular style of lighter is very difficult to find in any condition.  This one is in near very good shape despite being well-used.  The paint is fair to good.

It measures 1-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/8 inches.

This is a view of the other side, and views of inside from the front and back.  Note the SEALED construction to prevent leakage of the fluid.

It dates to 1942-1945 and has the markings on the interior element consistent with that era.  There are no marks apparent on the outside.  The top and bottom of the lighter are rounded.  It has the original wick and batting. It needs a flint and some tuning to bring it to complete serviceability.

The condition is near very good throughout, excepting moderate wear to the paint from long carry, as shown.

This particular style of lighter is very difficult to find in any condition.  This one is in very nice shape despite being well-used.  The design dates to 1936 and it has  the 1936 patent number (R.E. 19023).

It measures 2-1/4 inches wide by 2-1/2 inches high.

This is a view of the other side, and a view of the bottom showing the maker marks.

It has the original wick and batting and a working flint. It is serviceable with fluid.  There is some wear to the original paint. About 75% remains.

The condition is near very good throughout.

The lighter has a WAC eagle on the face.

It measures 1-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/4 inches.

This is a view of the other side, and a view of the bottom showing the maker marks. It has Zippo mechanicals inside.

It dates to 1952-54 (5 barrel hinge) and has the Zippo markings with no date code on the canned base. This lighter was only made for two years with these markings and configuration.

The condition is near very good throughout.

The artwork features a Playboy Bunny, the walking Fickle Finger of Fate on one side and "WHEN I DIE I'LL GO TO HEAVEN BECAUSE I'VE SERVED MY TIME IN HELL. VIETNAM 69-70 and a "Fuck You, Red Baron Snoopy Peanuts caricature on the face.

It measures 1-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/4 inches.

This is a view of the other side, and a view of the bottom showing the maker marks.

It dates to 1968 and it has a ||| Zippo ||| date code on the base.

The condition is near very good throughout.

The chrome finish has some light freckles from age.

It measures 2-7/8 inches wide by 5 inches high.

This is a view of the bottom showing the filler mechanism, and the top showing the cover closed. This is the maker mark.

It dates to the 1940s.

The condition is near very good throughout.

The hammered finish has a beer-can style DI applied to it.

It measures 1-1/8 inches wide by 2-3/4 inches high.

This is a view of the other side

It dates to about 1986 (35th anniversary).

The condition is near mint throughout.

The case is maker marked CHOICE in a diamond lozenge at the lower left. This is a view of the plain unmarked

It is not content marked, but appears to be 800 coin silver.

This is an outstanding CBI artifact and will be a great addition to any Far East theater collection.

It measures 4 by 3 inches. It is double-sided and can hold a full pack of 20 regular (non-filtered) cigarettes.

The case is silver content marked 835S (83.5% silver) on the inside and on the latch button. This is a view of the patterned back.

This was brought back by a paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division who took part in the Operation Market Garden combat jump.

This is an outstanding ETO artifact and will be a great addition to any ETO theater collection.

It measures 3-1/4 by 2-3/4 inches. It is single-sided and can hold a half pack of 10 regular (non-filtered) cigarettes.

The case is nickel (or silver) plated. There are no content marks. This is a view of the patterned back. This is a view of the inside.

This is an outstanding ETO artifact and will be a great addition to any ETO theater collection.

It measures 3-1/4 by 4-3/4 inches. It is single-sided and can hold 3/4 pack of 15 regular (non-filtered) cigarettes.