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You are bidding on a fantastic vintage ( I would imagine from the 1880s) 19th century gas cigar lighter in the shape of a hand . These were found in old tobacco stores/ cigar shops. They were mounted right to the wall. (you can see the threaded pipe on the wall end of this lighter which would be screwed right to the wall). These would be lit and t would be a flame coming out of the burner nozzle. A patron would buy a cigar, probably cut off its tip with a cutter on the cigar counter and proceed to the lighter on the wall to light the cigar. This is a very unique item and a real piece of tobacco/lighter history! The overall original patina and apperance of this great old piece is extremely impressive! The hand, which is probably a spelter casting, retains a great deal of its original bronze applied patina and the old globe holder retains its original gilt patina. The detailed casting on the hand ...... fingernails, elaborate Victorian bracelet and fancy cuff area..... is exceptionally well done. Also take note of the torch-like feature from which the shade holder emanates. The shade support / holder, which is beautifully cast, has 3 very tiny fitter screws. Its design is beautiful. The gas key is free,turns, & the burner complete. The original colored glode/shade is 3 1/4" in diameter and about 1 7/8" @ fitter area. It is in excellent condition. It has a bit of roughness around the flared flange fitter (surely to be expected for being 125 years old) which is not even seen with shade on the lighter. This lighter is 5 1/4" long. Questions are welcomed. PA buyers pay 6% sales tax. 10 days to clear checks.

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