Vintage Continental Co San Francisco Aluminum Block Lighter Pat Pend c1945 For Sale

Vintage Continental Co. aluminum block pocket lighter, San Francisco, patent pending, circa 1945. Collector references identify this style as the Continental Topper, a wartime-era American petrol (lighter fluid) lighter made when brass was restricted and aluminum block lighters were common.
The base is clearly stamped in a circle: CONTINENTAL CO. along the top, SAN FRANCISCO along the bottom, with PAT. above the screw slot and PEND. below it. Side-roller / lift-arm style. Knurled flint wheel and thumb piece are present. Wick is still in place. Fuel screw on the base turns in the photos.
Condition is used, as found. The aluminum body has honest wear: fine scratches, scuffs, and light surface marks on all sides. Edges are intact, no cracks or major dents. Flint wheel shows age and tarnish. Wick looks used and slightly frayed. Function has not been tested — not claimed to spark or hold fuel. Sold as a vintage collectible, not as a working lighter. A new flint and a small amount of lighter fluid would be the normal first check for anyone who wants to try it.
A nice marked example of a San Francisco aluminum block lighter, stronger for a collector than an unmarked block lighter of the same era.
Please see all photos for exact condition. Ships from the United States.

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