A solid eighteen carat yellow gold engine turned pocket miniature lighter.  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. 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 fuel soaked wick.

The exterior of the body is fully engine turned.  A process of engraving the silver body of the box with a pattern into the silver. In this case it is known as "Barley" pattern.  Not only does this add a level of decoration to the box, but it also allows for greater purchase on the piece if needed. The quality of the piano hinge work is second to none.  Exquisitely hidden into the back edge and done so that it appears not to be there once closed.  This was Asprey's workshop at its finest, and most delicate.  A real gem of a piece.  So beautful in the hand, and easy to use.  The lighter runs on lighter fuel, so stil obtainable today, easy to manatin and a pleasure to use.  There is a small screw toward the back of the lighter, inside, that is unscrewed to fill the reservoir with fuel.  To replace the flint, also easy to obtain today, simply pul out the flint wheel.

The lighter is fully hallmarked for having been made by Asprey & Co. ltd. in London, England in 1933.  This very much suits a piece like this.  It was made during a period in which there was no limit to excess in the world of the rich and famous.  Every need would be tended to and done so in a luxurious nature.  A pocket lighter this size in not nine, as is often the case in England, but eighteen carat gold was truley a piece of excess.  The likelihood of misplacing a precious lighter this size, let alone others having sticky fingers, makes for this luxurious item a truly frivulrous item for the person that had it all!

The lighter is in remarkable condition given that often they would be dropped or placed into a bag or pocket with change.  There is no scratching to the engine turning, and all corners are strong and without damage.  Asprey & Co., like Alfred Dunhill, were lauded for their high quality smoking accessories.  However, this size and shape is very rare indeed.  This is, in fact, the first example in this size we have been fortunate to handle.  A real thing of beauty.