RUPERT LICHTMAN 1920 Austria “ER-ELL” Lighter Fortuna-Drehring Embossed Brass

A lighter designed by Rupert Lichtman.

This is a very scarce petrol pocket lighter, created in Vienna Austria by the Rupert Lichtman Company, back in 1920's. The pocket lighter is the Fortuna model and has been crafted in polished bronze and highly decorated with embossed art nouveau patterns and engine turned guilloche designs. The lighter is fitted with an attached twisted links chain that hold the safety snuffer cap.

The following catalogue picture and the text is taken with thanks from Eldon w. Baldwin and his wonderful site, called "The lighter library".

History

The company was founded in Vienna Austria in 1909, as Rupert Lichtmann Metallwarenfabrikation und Elektrische Kleinbeleuchtungs. They was a Viennese manufacturer of cast and machined-formed metal goods, flashlights, and other small electric lighting fixtures. Both an Austrian producer and distributor, Lichtmann manufactured lighters from the early 1920s into the 1950s. The factory produced both pocket and table-desk models using the brand names ER-ELL and Fortuna. The Austrian collector Franz Dunkl has discovered the likely origin of the ER-FILL name: When pronounced in German, 'ER-ELL' sounds like the founder's initials, "RL".

Designer, Manufacturer & Retailer: Rupert Lichtman.

Model: Fortuna-Drehring.

Style: Art Nouveau.

First Produced: 1920's. Catalogue Model number 201.

Material: Embossed polished bronze and steel.

Weight: 28.5 Grams.

Measurements: 73 mm by 26 mm by 9 mm (2.87 x 1.02 x 0.36 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed in full, "-ER-ELL MADE IN AUSTRIA GES-GESCH".

Note: This pocket lighter is over 100 years old and is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition.

Condition: The overall condition of this lighter is good to very good. Beside the little normal wear all parts are secured in the setting and in working condition. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D092824MNMH/.7890