An eighteen carat yellow gold pocket lighter. This is a fabulous, rare and superb quality piece. A very tactile and well made lighter that was made to beautifully fit in the hand. The gauge of gold used is very thick for how the piece has been made. It is simple and clean in design, and in construction. There is a slide on the underside of the lighter that reveals the gas and flint refill areas. At the top is a simple push down to light the gas for the flame.

This lighter, made by Bulgari, has a number of names/ monikers; the Escargot, the pocket tape measure, and the Firewheel. What ecer its name, it is abeautful and superbly well made pighter. Lighters like this transend what people know as lighters. A lighter can be bought for pocket change. This is an intersection where the trusty lighter merges iunto the world of haute jewellery. Given it was made by the biggest name in Italian luxury jewellery, this makes total sense.

Following the death in 1966 of Giorgio Bulgari the future and direction of the business was entrusted into the hands of his two sons; Gianni and Paolo. It was not an easy time domestically in Italy. The ensuing oil crisis gripping the world took a particularly heavy toll on Italy's economy in the 1970s. So, the decision was made to expand the reach of the business outside of Rome, and Italy. In 1972 a new storefront was opened at the Pierre Hotel in New York city.  Geneva, Monte Carlo and Paris locations soon followed.

Not only did the business change, but also the designs and the items being proceed under the umbrella of the Bulgari name.  From Sotirios creation of the brand, which was as much an antique store as it was producing pieces, the acquisition of fine and rare silver items contributed to the DNA of the brand. Again, the making of silver pieces to sit alongside his jewellery was very much a secondary function of the brand. But, when they decided to produce these creations, they were always the highest quality and stunning interesting designs. This piece being no exception. Second to that, they were also very rare. It is unknown how many of these silver pieces were made. But being how few ever come to market it is safe to say that production numbers would have been very limited.  Perhaps to around ten, or less.

The condition of the piece is excellent overall. It is in working order. There are no signs of heavy wear, and it has never been polished, which is important in a piece like this in order to strictly maintain its original thickness, shape and lines. Being a lighter, an item that would have often been used around alcohol, for it not to have been dropped and badly damaged over the years is even more unusual! There are two areas with hallmarks. One with a series of marks including Italian and sterling control marks and its unique production number; 040. Then there is Bulgari name along the long plain side of the lighter. The tota, weight, including all the parts is close to 94 grams.

This is a fantastic, rare and wonderful object that would appeal to most everyone as an oject, let alone being a functional piece. With the price of gold today, a number that is only going to rise over time, items like this will no longer be prodcued in solid eighteen carat gold, making this vintage piece even more special and desirable.

Made in Italy, circa 1980's.