Ronson Butane Veraflame Lighter in Original Box by Appointment of Duke of Edinburgh Vintage 1950s - Still Sparks

ON AUCTION IS A VINTAGE 1950S RONSON BUTANE VERAFLAME LIGHTER IN ITS ORIGINAL PRESENTATION BOX THAT READS BY APPOINTMENT OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH. ENSCRIBED LAB STAFF ON ONE SIDE. LIGHTER STILL GIVES A SPARK WHEN PRESSED BUT PROPABLY NEEDS SOME MORE BUTANE.
 
The underside of the lighter is engraved with 'Ronson Reg. Trade Mark', Made in England', indicating its authenticity and vintage status. This model is refillable and uses flint ignition, with a compartment clearly marked 'Open for Flint'. The case interior is lined with cream satin and bears the royal warrant: 'By Appointment to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh Suppliers of Electric Shavers Ronson Products Ltd. London', signifying its prestige and high quality at time of manufacture. This item is perfect for collectors of vintage lighters or mid-century memorabilia.
 
Introduced in the 1950s, the Ronson Varaflame became renowned for its revolutionary adjustable flame feature and sleek, elegant design. It was one of the first butane lighters offering a variable flame, which set it apart from its contemporaries and made it highly popular not just during its time of manufacture but also as a collectible in todays market. The Varaflames enduring appeal lies in its sophistication and the technological advancements it represented in lighter design.
 
Ronson lighters were granted the royal warrant "By Appointment to H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh" and were known for their high quality and craftsmanship. This appointment indicates that Ronson was recognized as a supplier of electric shavers and other products to the Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. The warrant is often found on Ronson Varaflame lighters and their associated accessories. The inscription "By appointment to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh" refers to Prince Philip (then husband to Queen Elizabeth II), who granted Royal Warrants beginning in the early 1950s. His patronage focused on modern engineering and domestic technology, which aligns with Ronsons production of electrical shavers and pocket lighters. The presence of this specific warrant, combined with the satin chrome finish and British-made packaging, supports a production date around 1954, during the peak of Ronsons post-war innovation.
 
The Ronson Varaflame is an excellent collector's item and is arguably one of the most classy lighters available on the market today. With a very classic and vintage look, the beautiful Ronson Varaflame is a flint lighter with butane as it's fuel. The lighter measures 6cm long x 0,6cm wide x 3,5cm high.
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DIMENSIONS: 2.5CM HIGH 8.7CM WIDE
 
CONDITION: BOX AND LIGHTER IN GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION. STILL GIVE A SPARK WHEN PRESSED.
 
RONSON LIGHTERS (1886-present):
The story of Ronson lighters begins with Louis V. Aronson, an inventor and industrialist, who founded the Art Metal Works in 1886 in England. Initially, the company focused on producing decorative metal wares, but in 1913, a significant breakthrough came with Ronsons development of the first automatic lighter, which fundamentally changed how people accessed fire. This invention was pivotal because it allowed users to ignite a flame with a single hand, simplifying the process significantly compared to the manual lighters of the time. This period marked the beginning of Ronsons legacy in lighter innovation.
The real game-changer came in 1926 with the launch of the Ronson Banjo lighter, so named for its resemblance in shape to the musical instrument. The Banjo was one of the first lighters to feature fully automatic operation with a simple press of a button, the lighter would open, ignite, and then extinguish when released. This design was not only innovative but also catered to the growing consumer demand for convenience and efficiency in everyday tools.
The aftermath of World War II, and the early 1960s were particularly transformative for Ronson. During this decade, the company launched its first butane lighters, a move that allowed it to maintain competitiveness against the burgeoning market of cheap, disposable lighters. Butane lighters offered a more user-friendly solution; they were refillable, produced a consistent flame, and were easier to use, which appealed to the convenience-driven post-war consumer.
The late 20th century posed substantial challenges for Ronson, as the lighter industry underwent significant transformations. The rise of disposable lighters introduced a new level of competition that impacted Ronsons sales and market share. This period saw Ronson grappling with financial difficulties and an evolving market that increasingly favored cheaper, more disposable options over the reusable, crafted lighters that Ronson was famed for.
Despite these challenges, a pivotal moment in Ronsons history came with its acquisition by Zippo Manufacturing Company. This acquisition, which took place in the late 20th century, was a strategic move that helped stabilize Ronson during a turbulent time. 
For collectors, Ronson lighters are not just antiques but are pieces of history that embody the evolution of design and technology over decades. These lighters serve as functional artworks that captivate the imagination and evoke nostalgia, making them highly prized in the collectible market.
 
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