Cartier Vintage Vermeil Table Lighter
Cigarette Case / Table Lighter · Cartier, renowned French luxury goods conglomerate founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, globally famous for fine jewelry, luxury watches, and high-end accessories.
Pattern: Cartier Tank Style Table Lighter
Type
Cigarette Case / Table Lighter
Maker
Cartier, renowned French luxury goods conglomerate founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, globally famous for fine jewelry, luxury watches, and high-end accessories.
Material
Vermeil, consisting of heavy gold electroplate over a solid sterling silver (.925) base metal body.
Dimensions
Standard table lighter size, approximately 2.5 inches in height and 1 inch in width, weighing approximately 100-150 grams.
Description
An elegant and heavy vintage table lighter by Cartier, crafted in vermeil (gold over sterling silver). The base reveals classic French hallmarks, a unique serial number, and mechanical refill ports, showcasing the sophisticated engineering and timeless design typical of Cartier's mid-century smoking accessories.
Key Features
Authentic French silver hallmarks, engraved Cartier serial number '65368', heavy vermeil construction, and integrated precision mechanical lighter base.
Material & Composition
Vermeil, consisting of heavy gold electroplate over a solid sterling silver (.925) base metal body.
Finish & Decoration
Polished gold finish with mechanical components, minimal industrial aesthetic characteristic of mid-century luxury smoking accessories.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with serial number '65368', French Minerva head hallmark indicating solid silver content (.925), maker's lozenge hallmark stamp, and standard mechanical access ports.
Construction Details
Machined and assembled metal housing with integrated mechanical gas/fuel lighter mechanism, threaded fuel cap, and recessed adjustment screw.
Functional Features
Refillable fuel chamber, adjustable flame mechanism via recessed screw, threaded base plug for fuel access, and top-mounted flint/spark wheel assembly.
Handle & Grip Details
Rectangular monolithic metal body serving as its own grip, featuring integrated functional mechanical elements on the underside base.
Craftsmanship Details
High-precision manufacturing with clean stamped hallmarks, tightly toleranced mechanical ports, and a substantial, quality feel typical of French luxury goods.
Authentication Indicators
Presence of the French Minerva head silver hallmark, correct lozenge maker's mark, stamped serial number typography, and heavy silver base weight under the gold plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Paris, France, adhering to strict French goldsmithing and luxury accessory manufacturing standards.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1950-1970), reflecting the post-war luxury accessories boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s based on the serial numbering format, French assay marks, and mechanical lighter design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of mid-century affluent lifestyle and smoking culture, where everyday functional items were elevated to luxury art objects.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition with noticeable surface scratches, scuffs, and wear to the gold vermeil finish on the base. Mechanical parts show signs of age and prior use. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $200 and $600 USD depending on working mechanical condition, completeness, and collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips or abrasive polishing that would strip the gold vermeil plating off the underlying sterling silver.
Similar Pieces
S.T. Dupont gold-plated table lighters, Alfred Dunhill rollagas table lighters, and Tiffany & Co. silver-plated lighters.
Interesting Facts
Cartier table lighters were status symbols during the mid-20th century, frequently found on executive desks, luxury yachts, and high-society drawing rooms alongside Dunhill and S.T. Dupont pieces.