Identifying This Lighter

[Scotty 757]

A elderly man gave me an old tiny lighter the other day and I need help identifying it. I have some pics below. It says Express Japan on the bottom if that helps. I am looking for a year, the company that made it, just something. Oh and the little Circle with another even smaller merged together lifts up.

 

[Don't Laze Me Bro]

IDK, but it is schweet! I too am curious now!

 

[Scotty 757]

Ya it's really small. That really caught my attention.

 

[Don't Laze Me Bro]

Ya it's really small. That really caught my attention.

I have a peanut lighter from DX, it is TINY! And water proof, it is an oil lighter (Like a Zippo) Best $1.29 EVER! the gas NEVER goes dry in it either! Love the little squrit!

 

[Scotty 757]

I have a peanut lighter from DX, it is TINY! And water proof, it is an oil lighter (Like a Zippo) Best $1.29 EVER! the gas NEVER goes dry in it either! Love the little squrit!

Sweet i might buy that. Ya the man told me he got this lighter checked out 15 years ago and the guy only said $30 but it should be worth more now.

 

[MikeBP]

ask Greensmechanic he has one of those

http://laserpointerforums.com/members/greenmechanic/

 

[Greenmechanic]

This is called a "Size 0 Lift Arm Lighter".
They made them in 5 sizes from the "0" up to the "4" with the "4" being 2-1/2" in size.
It was made in Japan, (hard one to guess there)
It was made from 1952 to 1969
I'd say toward the '50's because of the larger key-chain hole, the newer ones have a smaller hole. (like mine)
Before 1945 they generally don't have any markings
Before 1952 it would have said "Made in Occupied Japan"
After 1969 it will say "Made in Japan" (A good tip to estimate the age of a Japanese lighter.)
It was probably made by the K.K.W. Co.
80% of this type Japanese lighters were.
They used several brand names including "Express", "Gem" "Prince" and several others.
It is hard to determine condition from these pics, but I'd say around 80% of the finish is left.
Do you have the refill plug? It looks like it is missing, (or you took it out) in the pics.
The value? That's hard to say without seeing it. (there were tens of thousands of these produced, but because it is so small, most were lost years ago) Also if the plug on the bottom is missing it will cut the value by 1/2. My best guess is (if you have the plug) around $50.
If the finish is like new around $100. (condition is a major factor in the price)

Also 90% of old lighters have the flint stuck in the flint tube. If it will not produce sparks and putting a new flint into it won't allow the spring to screw all the way in, it probably does.
If this is the case, PM me and I'll help you get it out.
Here's a couple pics. of my "Size 0" (100% finish remaining)

 

[KiLLrB]

I was wondering when you were going to post on this thread greenmechanic you have a few lighters dont you :crackup:

 

[Greenmechanic]

Yes, I have a "few"
Over 1000, too many to keep a accurate count.
Last time I tried, I had to give up.
I have boxes and boxes ,the size of a microwave, filled to the top, a roll around tool box filled and 6 display cases full.
I have been collecting for 25 years.
I have some of the first lighters ever made (from France circa 1860)
They did not use fluid or gas, but used the flint to smolder a whale blubber soaked cord.
Here's a pic. of one of my better ones. (restored)

Or how about a lighter you don't have to hand to someone, it walks over to them. (from the late '60's)

I like quirky or very old, now in the last 5 years, you have all kinds of light-up, noise making, or moving, electronic ones, coming out.
I still buy a unusual one when I see it, but lasers have taken over as my main collectible. Maybe one day, I'll have over 1000 lasers also.:crackup: