A sterling silver and agate table lighter in the form of a petrol, or gas pump.  This is a stunning and exceptionally rare piece from arguably the finest luxury retail and silversmith in the United Kingdom during the twentieth century; Asprey & Co..  The lighter has a hinged lid that is hidden within this traditional 1950's petrol pump found at petrol stations in the UK at the time. Opening the lid exposes the the flint wheel for striking the flint, and the cotton wick.  Simply roll the finger, or thumb, along the wheel to create the spark to light the gas.

The exterior of the body is fully hand engraved to replicate the exterior of a pump that every driver on the roads of the UK in the 1950's would have been more than familiar with. The top of the lighter, or the "globe" is engraved with the name Regent TT. In 1948 Trinidad Leaseholds and the California Texas Corporation (Caltex) established joint marketing arrangements in the UK and Ireland through a new company called the Regent Oil Company.

In 1962, Regent, which was then jointly owned by Texaco and Caltex, built a refinery at Milford Haven and became the third-largest distribution chain in the UK.

Then, in 1967, the split of Caltex's European assets left Texaco with almost all of Regent Oil Co's properties in the UK, except where there was duplication, in which case the properties became Standard Oil Co of California's (Socal's). That same year, Regent Oil Co Ltd changed its name to Texaco Ltd, still a large petrol company within the UK today.

Hidden within the solid sterling body is a removable lighter body that pulls out and can be refilled. This is a very early butane gas lighter. It is a Flaminaire Baronet made in 1948 by Quercia in Paris, France. The production of this model ceased in 1956. The Flaminaire lighters were one of the first lighters that used a disposable butane tank. It was a popular brand in France and Canada due to the offering of models and the use of gas versus the old more smelly and messy petrol fueled lighters. However, as technology moved on this system of needing tanks became excessive and eventually were phased out. Today, they cannot be replaced. We are working on an alternative way to fuel this lighter to make it functional again.

The gas pump part of the lighter is fully hallmarked for having been made by Asprey & Co. ltd. in London, England in 1955. It was made during a period in which the car was becoming more and more of an every day tool for people as prices dropped and access to cars became more simple. It was also the golden age of motor racing as engine technology improved and speeds increased. So, this piece appeals to any petrol heads!

A table lighter this means the likelihood of misplacing a precious lighter this size is very unlikely, let alone others having sticky fingers, makes for this luxurious item to be the perfect piece for home bar, or games room. But, for the car fan, it would display well among vintage cars.

The lighter is in remarkable condition given that often they would be dropped.  There are no dings or dents to the pump, and no damage to the original and handsome green agate base. 

Asprey & Co., like Alfred Dunhill, were lauded for their high quality smoking accessories.  However, novel pieces of this size and quality are very rare indeed.  This is, in fact, the first example we have been fortunate to handle.  A real thing of beauty. 

Please note, as of now, the lighter is being sold not functioning, and purely for decorative purposes only.