Ronson Gem Enamel Gas Lighter

In the 20s, as smoking became popular among women and in high-society circles, the traditional Ronson Standard or Whirlwind appeared too bulky. Responding to the trend toward smaller, more refined designs, Ronson launched the Gem line. Its purpose was to create a lightweight, premium social lighter that felt like a "gem" in the palm—small enough to fit in an evening gown pocket or a lady's clutch. It targeted fashion-conscious women, business professionals, and the gift market for the upper class. The bottom is engraved with U.S.PAT.RE. 19,023. This is the reissue patent number for Ronson's core "drop-to-extinguish" fully automatic linkage mechanism, officially granted in 1933 12. The single-arm linkage ignition system works by pressing the right-side cap: the flint wheel rotates to spark and ignite the wick while lifting the wind guard; releasing the cap allows the spring to snap back, dropping the guard to extinguish the flame. Compared to the Standard series, this body is noticeably slimmer, with more sharply curved sides and elegant lines. This series was primarily produced from the mid-1930s to the late-1940s (gradually replaced after WWII by the thinner Adonis series).