Restoring my antique brass trench lighter.

[freedoom]

I got this antique trench lighter when i was a kid. It had belonged to my great grandfather, he was a pilot and supply officer during wwi. The lighter however isn't that old, it was manufactured during or after 1930 by a company called Bowers http://www.bowers-mfg.com/history.html

When i was still a wee lad i had pulled the wick and cotton out of it so it's been non functional for many years.

So today i purchased a Ronson wick(i couldn't find a zippo wick), zippo flint, zippo fuel and 3 cotton balls from the drug store. The wick isn't a great fit, too loose but it gets the job done. the striker wheel is a bit worn so it doesn't spark properly every time. I have to blow it out as the cap doesn't go all the way up when i try to close it.

 

[Unk]

That is just COOL!

No clues on refurb but show us what you wind up with. No motor skills here so I'd just leave as is.

 

[DPris]

There are several sources for repros. If you need a new wheel, one off a new lighter might fit.
The lighters run around $20, might be worth picking one up for parts.
The rivet would take some scrounging to come close.
Otherwise, I'd probably leave it as is.
Always thought those were pretty neat.
Denis

 

[freedoom]

DPris, the wheel works well enough. I just have to put some downward pressure on the wheel to get it to spark properly.

Unk, there wasn't much refurb. i just installed a wick, cotton and flint.

 

[DPris]

Then you're in business!
Denis