In collaboration with Arjan de Haan | 13th July 2018
Less and less people are smoking nowadays, but somehow lighters continue to be as popular as before. We're not talking about the plastic ones obviously, but about antique lighters, some of which have become quite valuable and collectable over time. So even if you have quit smoking, don’t throw out your lighters yet. They might be worth something. We will tell you how to determine the value of your antique lighter.
1. Brand
When it comes to lighters, luxury brands tend to be more expensive on the antique market, but certain models from smaller manufacturers can be interesting too. Zippo has always been popular and will continue to be long into the future. Ronson is also one of the brands that is highly sought-after by collectors, with their popular models the Varaflame and the Comet. Also keep an eye out for lighters from other names like Dunhill, S.T. Dupont, Tiffany and Evans, since these are popular and valuable brands.
A S.T. Dupont lighter from our Lighters auction
2. Scarcity
The scarcity of the brand or model of your lighter will affect the value as well. The fewer available, the more valuable it will become. Age can affect the scarcity, but it's important to remember that older does not necessarily mean more valuable, unless it means the model is rarer. Production of successful lighter models ran in huge numbers, and these tend to remain low-value items. However, with Zippo and Ronson for instance, the earliest models are very scarce and therefore more valuable. That being said, older lighters are usually scarce, especially the ones in a great condition. It’s very hard to find lighters from the early 1900s. The pieces that were made before mass production can therefore go up in value quickly. So keep in mind that a lighter made before 1920 is likely to be a good investment.
3. Limited editions
Some lighters are little works of art. Special editions and iconic pieces are very attractive to collectors and limited editions generally mean higher value. This is typically true for luxury lighters. This can be a numbered limited edition such as with Dupont lighters, but also (for instance) rare advertisement lighters by Zippo.
4. Materials
Lighters come in all sizes, colours and materials. Obviously, the modern plastic ones aren’t worth anything, but the value of the antique lighters can vary because of the materials that are used. A lighter made of gold or silver is generally worth much more than one made of more common materials. In many cases the value does not exceed the gold price but for rare examples the value can exceed the gold price many times. Skilled craftsmanship also adds value to a piece. A very nicely decorated and handmade lighter is a great find.
A Dunhill silver & gold rollagas lighter pair that sold on our Lighters auction.
5. Condition
The condition of a lighter is highly important for collectors. The better the condition, the higher the value. Pieces in mint condition are a good investment. But even more valuable are the so-called Old New Stock or Mint in Box lighters. These are not only in mint condition, but they are also still with their original packaging, labels and instructions.
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It is so much more fun to lend your friends an antique lighter with a history instead of a cheap modern version. If you are looking for a lighter that will attract attention, you can browse through our Lighter Auctions and find one that fits your own style and taste.
Discover more Zippo | Ronson | lighters
You might also like these articles:
- - Top 5 Most Expensive Lighters
- - How to Flip Antiques for Profit
- - Insider's Guide to Finding Valuable Items at the Flea Market