WWI IMCO Ifco Trench Lighter, Nickel-Plated Brass and Steel
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (Lighter) · IMCO (Julius Meister & Co.), founded in 1907 in Vienna, Austria. Renowned as the second oldest lighter manufacturer in the world after Ronson.
Pattern: Trench Lighter – Ifco / IMCO Model 1918 (Humbert Style)
Type
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (Lighter)
Maker
IMCO (Julius Meister & Co.), founded in 1907 in Vienna, Austria. Renowned as the second oldest lighter manufacturer in the world after Ronson.
Material
Nickel-plated brass and steel. Note: This item is significantly tarnished and worn; it contains no precious silver content. It is a base metal utility item designed for field use.
Dimensions
Approximately 7-8 cm (2.75-3.15 inches) in length; roughly 1.5 cm diameter. Weight is approximately 30-45 grams.
Description
This is a classic 'Trench Lighter' of the type popularized during the First World War. While often mistaken for silver due to its nickel-plated finish, it is a rugged soldier's utility tool. Its telescoping design allowed a soldier to light a cigarette in high-wind conditions without exposing a bright flame to enemy snipers. The cylindrical fuel tank could also be pulled out while lit to act as a candle or to light a stove.
Key Features
Telescoping wind guard, heraldic crest stamping, bottom lanyard ring, and the characteristic cylindrical 'tank' body.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated brass and steel. Note: This item is significantly tarnished and worn; it contains no precious silver content. It is a base metal utility item designed for field use.
Finish & Decoration
Machine-stamped and nickel-plated. Features a stamped heraldic shield/crest motif on the wind guard and circular ventilation holes. The finish shows heavy wear, oxidation, and brassing where the plating has worn away.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the side 'HUMBERT'S RE NO 669 211' or similar military/patent numbers. Likely also bears 'IMCO' or 'IFCO' marks near the fuel tank or flint wheel assembly.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured from stamped sheet metal. Features a sliding wind guard (chimney), a removable cylindrical fuel tank via a friction fit, and a spring-loaded flint spark mechanism.
Functional Features
Sliding sleeve for wind protection, integrated flint wheel, and a removable cotton-filled fuel reservoir. The ring at the bottom was for securing to a lanyard or watch chain.
Handle & Grip Details
Cylindrical body acts as the grip. Features a bottom lanyard ring (bail handle) made of steel or brass for portability.
Craftsmanship Details
Robust industrial quality; designed for mass production and durability rather than fine jewelry standards. The stamping is deep and the tolerances for the sliding sleeve are functional rather than decorative.
Authentication Indicators
Correct patent stampings (RE NO) and the specific IMCO silhouette which is widely documented in military militaria catalogs.
Origin & Manufacturing
Vienna, Austria (Empire of Austria-Hungary). Manufactured by Julius Meister & Co. using industrial stamping methods.
Era & Period
WWI Era / Early 20th Century (1914-1920). Developed primarily for soldiers' use in trenches where wind resistance was critical.
Age Estimate
Circa 1918-1925 based on the specific 'Humbert' patent reference and the sliding wind-guard design.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of soldier life in the Great War; it represents the industrialization of personal accessories and the birth of the modern portable lighter before the Zippo became dominant.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. Extensive loss of nickel plating (brassing), surface oxidation, and heavy tarnish. The mechanical integrity of the spring and flint wheel appears aged and would require restoration to function.
Value Estimate
$30 - $75 USD depending on mechanical functionality. This specific example's heavy wear places it at the lower end of that range.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver polish, as this is nickel plate; use a gentle metal cleaner or mineral oil to stabilize rust. Keep dry to prevent further brassing or corrosion of the steel spring.
Similar Pieces
Bowers Trench Lighter (USA), Ronson 1913 Wonderliter, or modern IMCO Triplex models (which are more streamlined and less ornate).
Interesting Facts
IMCO originally manufactured buttons for the Austrian military before pivoting to lighter production using spent shell casings as inspiration, leading to the 'Trench Lighter' aesthetic.