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Debonair Lighter
The Ronson Debonair lighter got its name straight out of the dictionary. Debonair means sophisticated-refined suave and elegance. Its square body design with thumb press and snuffer were a departure from the 1927 delight mechanism. Louis V. Aronson first designed the Debonair in the late 1920’s. The design patent was applied for in 1929. There are at least 5 versions of the Debonair, each being highly prized by Ronson collectors. The Debonair came in chrome, gold plate, platinum plate, and nickel silver plated versions. Some had engine turned patterns, leather wraps or art deco lacquer enamel designs. The Debonair rectangular mechanism was also utilized by Ronson on their first combination cigarette case with lighter named the “Lytacase”. The Lytacase was first introduced in 1930 and came in chrome, gold plate, and platinum finishes with engine turned, lacquer enamel, or mother of pearl designs. The Debonair is unique with a recessed wick, built up, diamond cut out windscreen and automatic thumb press mechanism. An early gold plate prototype version features an unusual XO cut out windscreen with stepped mechanism design. Another early prototype features one fuel screw that unscrews part of base to reveal flint screw. The gold plate Debonair with center leather wrap is a rare version not having the diamond cut out windscreen. For regular production models, early 1930’s versions feature wide fuel and flint screws while mid 1930’s versions have small fuel and flint screws. Debonair lighters have patent numbers listed on the underside for a 1917 cerium flint process as well as the LVA 1926 Ronson Banjo Automatic. Like the majority of the technology coming out these days, the newer models of the debonair lighter are becoming more sleek and thinner. The Debonair and Lytacase models are quite showy and two of the most important Ronson deco lighter models. For collectors, these two lighters make the collection seem more sophisticated and much more classy. The Ronson Debonair and Lytacase lighters will also increase the value of your vintage lighter collection.