Vintage Cigarette Lighters

Thorens Lighters

Thorens

Thorens Single Claw Lighter

Beginning c. around 1918 and through at least the mid-1930s, this is a "single claw" model. The side of the wheel that strikes the flint has protrusions on one side and the lighter has a claw that grasps the protruding knobs to spin the wheel as the lid is opening.

Swiss Patent    US Patent 1   US Patent 2 pg 1   US Patent 2 pg 2   US Patent 3

Difference between standard and ladies' lighters

Single Claw Ladies' Lighters

Left & Right

Thorens Double Claw Lighter Gold Plated

Beginning c. 1927 and through the early 1940s, this is a "double claw" model. The side of the wheel that strikes the flint has protrusions on each side and the lighter has two claws - one claw grasping the protruding knobs on each side of the wheel in order to turn it. This happens as the lid opens.

Patent

Thorens Jubile Lighter

mid-1940s The Jubile has a really nice touch I haven't noticed on other lighters: the spark wheel has dual, enlarged outside wheels for spinning it to produce the spark and, unusually, the spark wheel itself is covered to prevent abrasion to the thumb when striking the lighter. A nice touch for the user!
IXK-0GB

Another View    British Patent

Thorens Lucky Lift Arm Lighter

c. mid-1930s

Thorens Masterpiece Lighter

c. early 1930s

Another View    Another View    Swiss Patent

Thorens Cigarette Case & Lighter

c. early 1940s

 Patent pg 1   Patent pg 2   Patent pg 3

Thorens Oriflam Lighter

Circa late 1920s and through the 1930s at least. There is a trigger piece on top and, when activated, the lighter is opened. This is also a semi-automatic model because the snuffer must be closed in a separate action.    

Swiss Patent    British Patent    Swiss Patent

Thorens Striker Lighter

mid-1930s

Swiss Patent

Thorens Table Lighter

Thorens Vedette Lighter

Late 1940s - early 1950s

Thorens 'Lucky' Pocket Lighter

c. 1945.

HEK-0BC No wind screen
Another View