Vintage Torch Lighter

The first lighter was created in 1823 and was known as the Döbereiner’s Lamp. The first automatic lighter was called a Banjo, following that was the Colibri. Zippo became a very popular brand in the 1930s and is still around today. Shortly after Zippo hit the market, trends shifted from ferrocerium to butane, so you’ll often hear of these lighters referred to as butane lighters. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary lighters from top sellers around the world.

Vintage lighters with decorative designs are sometimes called carved lighters, hobo lighters or trench lighters. The first lighter ever made was the Döbereiner’s lamp, designed by Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner in 1823. You can find a range of vintage lighters on 1stDibs.

Typically, to refill a Cartier lighter, you open the valve cap on the top using the grooves or notches, depending on the design. Then, insert the gas refill and press for three seconds. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Cartier lighters.