Introduction
In 2020 1.3 Billion people world wide were reported to be still using tobacco products. However the tobacco industry has taken quite a hard hit in the last decade or so. The growth to be heathier and the advance in the understanding of the impact of smoking has caused people to look for alternative options. E-Cigarettes are quite popular, along with nicotine gum and patches. It is quite surprising that lighters are still in demand through this change in the tobacco industry. After all we still need to light our scented candles and those special birthday cakes. Certain lighters are also very collectable. We will take a look at Ronson lighters in this blog.
History Of Ronson
Ronson company dates back to 1898 under the name of The Art Metal Works based in New Jersey in the USA. The original partners were Max Hecht, Louis Vincent Aronson and Leopold Herzig. The company was manufacturing safety matches along with lamps, ink wells and bonnet (hood) ornaments. Mr Aronson was a business man and an inventor. In 1897 he secured a patent to a chemical combination that would change the safety matches/lighter industry. In the 1970’s Ronson was in decline and was under pressure from competitor’s, unfortunately Ronson could not recover and by the 1980’s had been sold to Zippo in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The Patented Formula
Mr Aronson in the 1890’s invented the Non-Toxic Match and the All-Weather Match. 1897 and Aronson found a chemical combination which ensured combustion in the highest wind. The following letter written by the former scientific chemist to the Royal Society of Great Britain in response to an inquiry of some capitalists as to the chemical and commercial importance of the match:
In regard to the match patent by Louis V. Aronson, which patent is dated October 26, 1897, the number of which is 592,227, I beg to state that during the progress of this invention and application for patent, I carefully examined, as chemist, the various steps described therein, and have carefully considered it both commercially and chemically. My conclusions are that the process of manufacture is a simple one, the product a superior one, and the patent a broad and complete one, and can, therefore, recommend it fully and well to you. If properly placed on the market, I feel convinced that it will make a great success, as the article certainly fills a long-felt want and has not any of the objectionable features of the wind-matches heretofore placed on the market.
— (Signed) Martin E. Walstein.
Aronson had discovered a white phosphorus-free match
Ronson Lighter Models
Ronson made various models of lighters. However here at Wildcard Curiosities we have found there are a few models collectors are very keen on. When we have these in stock they do not stay with us long before being sold on. These models are:
The Pisto Lighter – This was first shown at the 1912 Olympia (UK) car show
Whirlwind – In 1941 this was a lighter popular in the era of World War II. The lighter had a wind shield that could be flicked up to protect the flame against the wind.
Where To Purchase Vintage Ronson Lighters
Here at Wildcard Curiosities we have a few Ronson lighters available to buy online. If you are interested please take a look for availability and prices. We do offer overseas shipping, unfortunately at present we can only offer this service through eBay’s global shipping program. Click on the link below and search for Ronson.