Lot 77: Mid-Century Hawaiian-Themed Table Lighter
Estate Auction: Signed Oils, Kosta Art Glass, Vintage, Modern Furniture · Sold
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- Auction
- Estate Auction: Signed Oils, Kosta Art Glass, Vintage, Modern Furniture
- Lot Number
- 77
- Status
- Sold
- Hammer / Price
- Sign in to view realized price
- Opening Bid
- $5.00
- Accepted Bids
- 28
- Closed
- 5/21/26 7:06 PM PT
Description
A mid-century Hawaiian-themed table lighter that was a popular souvenir in the 1950s and 60s. It features a heavy, textured base crafted to look like carved lava rock. The black, bowl-shaped base is made of a composite material (often called "polystone"). It is decorated with traditional Hawaiian patterns, such as the "curly-cue" waves or tribal petroglyphs. The top features a polished chrome or silver-tone semi-automatic "lift-arm" mechanism. When you press the textured lever, the cap flips open and strikes the flint simultaneously. These are designed to sit on a coffee table or desk rather than being carried in a pocket. Most of these were produced by Coco Joe’s of Hawaii or Polystone Inc.. They were often sold at roadside stands and souvenir shops across the islands. While the decorative base was made in Hawaii, the metal lighter inserts were almost always imported from Japan, which was the world leader in precision lighter parts during that era. 3"H x 2.5"W Good condition.