Collectible Lighters (The Collectible Series) Paperback – 7 April 2003

great

Being brought up with pounds shillings and pence means I still get caught out by metric dimensions so I was initially disappointed with this book. The format and size suggests it might have made six series of bubble gum cards but the depth of research by the author shown in the captions more than makes up for this.France seems to be the major invetor and innovator as far as lighters are concerned and the author has a fixation with lighters made by "les poilus" in the trenches during WW I as they are the largest group represented. The ubiquitous Zippo is a close second as far as numbers represented.The other large group of lighters are one of the most coveted brands, Dunhill. I have owned seventeen and wrecked nine so they have a large place in my affections. The author describes a Dunhill I have never heard of; the Achitect. Not shown but described alongside a ruler type Dunhill which is desirable enough, the Architect is marked in inches and centimeters and is one yard long. Fill that.The use of the word gasoline instead of benzene becomes tiring after repetition but that is a minor gripe alongside the fact there are only two Ronsons in the 350 examples shown in the book.This little item is not a bad start for those interested in lighters up to and including the butane disposable examples.

Not the most informative book on lighters (eg there are no valuations) , but certainly one of the more enjoyable to flick through. The lighters are split into Workaday, trench art, promotional and luxury. Its small, the photographs are well taken and its a pleasing book to read.

Made the error of thinking I had ordered a lighter..so, that will teach me not too read the instructions properly, no interest in this book whatsoever

Christmas gift