Tommy lighter - any info?

[Albus Culter]

Hi the collective good

I recently bought a Tommy Pipe Lighter. It's a lovely little lighter and so far I think it's a cracking design. Great to hold, looks lovely, and has a reservoir for spare fluid, so it does not all evaporate like in a zippo.

I've tried to find out more about the lighters, but am drawing a blank. I'd love to know some history of the lighters and the design. Any of you know any info or links to any?



Cheers all

 

[oldtimer]

I have heard that they were produced in WW1 for the troops and that is why they were called "tommy" lighter: viz"Tommy Atkins". They were certainly very common when I was a child and popular with WW2 personnel. Most of the old boys I knew who were WW1 veterans had one. My grandfather always used to carry one, despite being a non-smoker, as part of his EDC along with a huge army jacknife.

 

[Albus Culter]

Thanks for that. This one looks very clean for a potential age as it has. It's a cracking little lighter and will be much cherished .

I have heard that they were produced in WW1 for the troops and that is why they were called "tommy" lighter: viz"Tommy Atkins". They were certainly very common when I was a child and popular with WW2 personnel. Most of the old boys I knew who were WW1 veterans had one. My grandfather always used to carry one, despite being a non-smoker, as part of his EDC along with a huge army jacknife.

 

[launditch1]

Believe it or not there was an actual army issue one of these..I have one that is dated 1944 with the broad arrow /I\ mark.Never seen the pipe lighter version..not too common.

 

[hiho]

I've got the same one kicking about. came with a second hand zippo of fleabay. prefer it over the zippo too

 

[VanDeRooster]

Had to look up a Tommy Lighter, must admit be rather taken with them. Might try and track one down.


Sent from my  iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[weekender]

Had to look up a Tommy Lighter, must admit be rather taken with them. Might try and track one down.




Sent from my  iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

Agree with you Van it's a nice looking lighter.

 

[Albus Culter]

I believe it
Pic if you have one?

Believe it or not there was an actual army issue one of these..I have one that is dated 1944 with the broad arrow /I\ mark.Never seen the pipe lighter version..not too common.

And not far away from me too
If ever you want to sell. I have a friend who has a hankering for one.

I've got the same one kicking about. came with a second hand zippo of fleabay. prefer it over the zippo too

 

[launditch1]

Heres my two.The right hand one is Arrow marked on the lid.Both work after a new flint and cotton wool.You tend to find these buried in Antique shop cabinets.

 

[Albus Culter]

Very nice.

Cannot quite make out the name? Davies and ??? Be interested in a maker then I could try google again.

Just discovered my 'reserve tank' is not holding the fluid. I think it's just the seal that's old. Will sort a replacement and try it again.

 

[Man of Tanith]

View attachment 29496Heres my two.The right hand one is Arrow marked on the lid.Both work after a new flint and cotton wool.You tend to find these buried in Antique shop cabinets.

covet the one on left is very nice

 

[launditch1]

Davis & Heaps of Birmingham is the maker of the right hand one.I think the dated ones are fairly rare...ive only seen one in the past 5 years..

 

[Macaroon]

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/product/davis-heaps-brass-petrol-lighter-hd_100226356

Spotted this just now and recalled this thread - so fill yer boots, folks!

 

[VanDeRooster]

Thanks for the heads up


Sent from my  iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[Clouston98]

You have a lovely lighter there Albus!

 

[Albus Culter]

Discovered my reserve tank was not sealing, so swapped the old compressed washer and it's working great now
Just love the idea you can refill it while out from the reserve.

You have a lovely lighter there Albus!

 

[VanDeRooster]

Mine arrived today. It a bit battered and bruised, needs the perished rubber band cleaning off, a new flint and filling up.

I think it's been issued as it has an arrow on the lid.

I must admit to being rather attached to it already. Has a very nice "feel" to it.



Sent from my  iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[Macaroon]

View attachment 29677 Mine arrived today. It a bit battered and bruised, needs the perished rubber band cleaning off, a new flint and filling up.

I think it's been issued as it has an arrow on the lid.

I must admit to being rather attached to it already. Has a very nice "feel" to it.



Sent from my  iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

Did you buy the Oxfam one in the end?

You probably know this, but the arrow means it was MOD issue.............

 

[VanDeRooster]

I did indeed buy the OxFam one. Don't smoke (anymore) but despite the price I wanted it. Glad I did in the end.


Sent from my  iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[Albus Culter]

They are a cracking lighter. I'm hooked too