Tiffany & Co. Bark Finish Vermeil and Sterling Silver Pocket Lighter
Decorative Object / Cigarette Lighter · Tiffany & Co., world-renowned American luxury jeweler and silversmith established in New York City in 1837, celebrated for high-end luxury goods, exceptional craftsmanship, and iconic design partnerships.
Pattern: Organic Bark Texture Series, popular in luxury mid-century and late 20th-century smoking accessories.
Type
Decorative Object / Cigarette Lighter
Maker
Tiffany & Co., world-renowned American luxury jeweler and silversmith established in New York City in 1837, celebrated for high-end luxury goods, exceptional craftsmanship, and iconic design partnerships.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) casing with a heavily textured organic exterior and parcel-gilt (vermeil) interior mechanism components and roller housing.
Dimensions
Standard pocket size, approximately 2.5 inches in height and 1 inch in width, designed for pocket portability.
Description
An exquisite luxury pocket lighter featuring a realistic, tactile tree bark texture cast in sterling silver, complemented by contrasting gold-tone fluted mechanisms. The hinged lid opens to reveal the classic spark wheel and snuffer assembly, showcasing the high-end utility items produced by Tiffany & Co. during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Key Features
Organic bark texturing, dual-tone silver and gold finish, Tiffany & Co. luxury branding, and heavy structural form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) casing with a heavily textured organic exterior and parcel-gilt (vermeil) interior mechanism components and roller housing.
Finish & Decoration
Textured cast organic bark finish mimicking natural tree wood grain, paired with a polished vertical fluted roller wheel and gold-tone mechanical components.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked with Tiffany & Co. maker's mark and sterling purity indicators on the base or interior rim.
Construction Details
Cast outer shell with applied organic texturing, combined with a precision mechanical butane/fuel insert, hinged lid mechanism, and internal spring-loaded components.
Functional Features
Hinged flip-top lid, vertical ribbed ignition roller, flint wheel, and internal fuel chamber with manual access.
Handle & Grip Details
Textured bark pattern serving as an integrated tactile grip, preventing slipping during ignition.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality lost-wax casting for the organic texture, precise mechanical integration, and durable hinge construction indicative of luxury maker standards.
Authentication Indicators
Crisp casting detail in the bark motif, clean mechanical tolerances, and appropriate maker stamp placement.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (New York) or manufactured in collaboration with high-end European lighter specialists (such as Dunhill or Colibri for Tiffany) adhering to strict luxury standards.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Late 20th Century (circa 1960-1980), reflecting the organic design movement popular in luxury accessories.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s to 1980s based on the organic texture trend and mechanical lighter construction.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century appreciation for organic, nature-inspired textures in luxury accessories and the high social status associated with branded smoking items of the era.
Condition Notes
Very good vintage condition with minor surface wear and natural tarnish consistent with age; mechanical functionality requires testing and fresh flint/fuel.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $300 to $800 USD depending on operational condition, presence of original box, and exact hallmarks.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth and specialized silver polish avoiding harsh abrasives on the vermeil components; store in a dry flannel pouch.
Similar Pieces
Cartier tank lighters, Dunhill gold-plated or silver lighters, and Tiffany engine-turned silver lighters.
Interesting Facts
Luxury jewelers like Tiffany & Co. frequently retailed branded smoking accessories during the mid-20th century, which have now become highly collectible vanity objects.