Vintage Cartier cigarette lighters

Cartier is a luxury goods manufacturer founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in Paris, France. The company began as a jewelry workshop and soon gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative designs. In the late 1800s, Cartier began to expand its product line to include watches and other luxury goods.

In 1904, Cartier moved to a new location on the prestigious Rue de la Paix in Paris, which further solidified its reputation as a leading luxury goods manufacturer. The company continued to expand throughout the early 20th century, opening stores in London and New York City more... .

In the 1920s and 1930s, Cartier became known for its Art Deco designs and its use of precious materials such as gold and diamonds. The company also began to produce a wide variety of luxury goods, including pens, lighters, and cigarette cases. In 1917, the company was sold to the jeweller Alfred Cartier, Louis-Francois' son, who further developed the brand.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Cartier continued to be a major player in the luxury goods market, and it began to develop its own line of perfumes and accessories.

In 1972, the company was acquired by a consortium led by Joseph Kanoui, who helped to expand the company's presence in Asia and the Middle East.

Today, Cartier is a subsidiary of the Richemont group and it continues to produce a wide range of luxury goods, including watches, jewelry, and leather goods. It is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, distinctive design, and iconic brand. less...

Cigarette lighters can be subdivided into three types: pocket lighters, table lighters and compact lighters with cases.

Dunhill is the most popular and desirable name for collectors. Their first lighter was released in the early 1920s and they are still producing today.

Other collectable manufacturers are Ronson, who have been making lighters for over 100 years and invented the automatic lighter in 1926, and Zippo, which was founded in 1932.

Lighter collectors should look for inset watches or concealed features such as compacts.

Early lighters were powered by naphtha, a petroleum mixture, and these are more desirable than the butane more... gas lighters, that were introduced in the late 1940s.

Lighters made from precious materials, often by jewelers, or those in novelty shapes such as aeroplanes and animals are popular. Wear to plating or loss of parts of covering will affect value detrimentally, as will dents or splits. Replaced parts will also affect value. less...