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Dzaman Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter

by Larry Tolkin

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Dzaman Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter Gabriel Dzaman 1888 - 1982

Dzaman Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter Gabriel Dzaman was born in 1888 and was granted his first patent in 1932 for a wood surfacing machine. After WW2 Dzaman settled in Trenton area of New Jersey and opened a small factory in New Hope, New Jersey** (see photo). There he patented (see 1949 design patent) and produced the “Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter”.

Dzaman Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter Dzaman Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter The Gunlite wholesaled for $3 and retailed for $4.95 (see ad). The well made pistol came in both chrome or gold plated versions with black, ivory, blue, or pink handle panel colors.

Dzaman became friendly with a Japanese businessman who later sued for copying his own Japanese model pistol lighter. The lawsuit, which lasted years, took its toll on Dzaman who wound up closing the business from mental exhaustion. He passed away in 1982.

Dzaman Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter This information and photo of the factory provided by the daughter of woman who ran the Dzaman office in New Hope.

Ad For Gunlite: CLICK HERE

** Webmaster's Note: There does not seem to be a New Hope, NJ; There is, however, a New Hope, PA which is very near Trenton, NJ and we believe that "New Hope, New Jersey" actually refers to New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Dzaman Gunlite Automatic Pistol Lighter

 

Photos by Larry Tolkin unless otherwise noted.

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