{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-era-berkeley-windproof-zippo-style-lighter-with-black-crackle-finish-flashlight-company-of-america","title":"Original U.S. WWII Era Berkeley Windproof Zippo-Style Lighter with Black Crackle Finish - Flashlight Company of America","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is an interesting original U.S. WWII-era \u003cstrong\u003eBerkeley Windproof \u003c\/strong\u003ecigarette lighter, manufactured by the \u003cstrong\u003eFlashlight Company of America i\u003c\/strong\u003en Jersey City, New Jersey. Featuring a black crackle finish and a design similar to the familiar Zippo windproof lighter, this example retains its removable internal lighter mechanism and clearly identifiable manufacturer's markings. Particularly noteworthy is a small attached identification tag reading \u003cstrong\u003eR.C. Hunt Jr.\u003c\/strong\u003e, possibly identifying a former owner or the serviceman who originally carried it. Although the lighter is not currently functional, it remains an interesting example of the personal accessories associated with the WWII period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNext to headgear, items like Cigarette Lighters are some of the most personal items a Militaria collector can obtain. Not only are they personal items in their own right, but the details of them can serve as an identifier of the owner to whom the item belonged. An indicative item of one’s personality, these have become very sought after items on the collector’s market the last several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inner piece comes out with ease. The side is marked for \u003cstrong\u003eBERKELEY WINDPROOF LIGHTER\u003c\/strong\u003e on one side and on the other side with \u003cstrong\u003eFLASHLIGHT COMPANY OF AMERICA JERSEY CITY NJ MADE IN USA.\u003c\/strong\u003e The wheel moves but does not spark, and the lighter is not currently functional. There is a small tag attached reading R.C. Hunt Jr., possibly the soldier who owned it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Berkeley lighter is a representative example of the commercially manufactured personal accessories associated with American military life during the WWII era. Its identifiable\u003cstrong\u003e Flashlight Company of America\u003c\/strong\u003e markings, black crackle finish, and Zippo-style windproof construction establish its manufacturing identity, while the \u003cstrong\u003eR.C. Hunt Jr.\u003c\/strong\u003e tag introduces the possibility of an individual wartime connection. Although that attribution remains unconfirmed and the lighter is no longer functional, its surviving features make it an interesting addition to a collection of WWII personal equipment, smoking accessories, or American wartime memorabilia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46350283669573,"sku":"ONSV26HAR010","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26HAR010__07.jpg?v=1794248004","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-era-berkeley-windproof-zippo-style-lighter-with-black-crackle-finish-flashlight-company-of-america","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}