Original Spanish-American War Era “Magic Pocket Lamp” The 1st Patented Automatic Lighter with Copy of Patent Information - Patent Dated 1890

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of what is considered to be the very first patented automatic lighter. This lighter predates flints and used a paper disc with dots composed of a mercury fulminate mixture that, when hit with the metal needle, ignites the wick.

This example is not currently functional but the metal wheel is still intact inside. The paper wheel that would attach to the metal wheel is gone. The front of the lighter is marked:

MAGIC
TRADEMARK
Pocket Lamp
KOOPMAN’S PAT.
OCT 29-89
Magic Introduction Co.
SOLE MFRS
NEW YORK

The button to the side opens the lid of the lighter, and the small tab to the edge opens the lighter vertically for replacement of the paper wheel. The construction is really astounding. The exterior shows heavy wear and tarnishing but overall this is a good representative example of the very first patented automatic lighter. The lighter comes with printouts of the patent information.

Ready for display!