JERRICAN Paris 1946 Licensed By Clodion Extra Large Petrol-Can Desk Lighter
Jerrican massive desk petrol lighter by Clodion-Paris
This is an extremely rare and highly unusual novelty Jerrican petrol lighter, created in Paris, France, and produced under license for the Clodion brand circa 1945–1946, during the immediate post-war period. The lighter has been ingeniously designed in the miniature form of a military petrol can, faithfully reproducing the characteristic utilitarian shape of the wartime jerrican. It is finely constructed in brass with a zinc-plated finish and fitted with a hinged lid and a screw-type petrol filler, combining a whimsical novelty design with a fully functional mechanical lighter mechanism. Dating to the early post-war years in Paris, this unusual piece reflects the fascination with military objects and wartime memorabilia that influenced novelty design during the period. Its exceptional rarity, distinctive miniature jerrican form, and association with Clodion make it a particularly desirable example for specialist collectors. The lighter remains fully functional and represents an outstanding gentleman's desk or pocket accessory, as well as a remarkable conversation piece. An exceptionally scarce and highly collectible novelty lighter, it would make a superb addition to any distinguished collection of vintage mechanical lighters, post-war French design, or military-inspired objects.
Jerrican History
During World War II, the German Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister—the standardized German fuel container—became renowned for its exceptionally practical and robust design. Compared with many Allied petrol cans, which were generally constructed from thinner sheet steel and often required tools, funnels, and separate spouts for filling and dispensing, the German design featured a strong welded construction and an integrated closure and pouring system. Its superior practicality made the German fuel can highly desirable, and examples were frequently captured and reused by Allied forces. The nickname “Jerry can” derives from Jerry, a wartime British slang term for a German soldier, and subsequently became the common English-language designation for the German-style fuel container. This distinctive lighter was originally designed by Clodion, an important French manufacturer renowned for producing innovative mechanical lighters with unusual and ingenious mechanisms. The design faithfully interprets the characteristic form of the German jerrican in miniature. Smaller “Jerrican” pocket models, approximately 1¾ inches in height, are also known to exist in sterling silver and 18-karat gold and are particularly sought after by specialist lighter collectors. Large-format examples such as the present model are exceptionally rare, making this an especially desirable and unusual piece for collectors of vintage mechanical lighters, military-inspired design, and Art Deco-era French craftsmanship.
Brand: Jerrican, licensed by Clodion.
Country: Paris, France.
Period: Post War, 1945-1946.
Materials: Copper, brass and zinc coating.
Weight: 495.90 Grams, (0.46 Kg).
Measurements: H. 95 mm by L. 77 mm by D. 32 mm (3.75 x 3.04 x 1.26 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed at the base as follows; "JERRICAN MARQUE ET MODELE DEPOSES PARIS FRANCE"
Note: This Jerrican desk petrol lighter 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 perfect working condition.
Condition: The overall condition of this Jerrican desk lighter is great. Besides the little normal wear all parts are secured in their settings. This lighter has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D080726MEET/.5509
