LEKTRoLITE Flameless Lighter MIB
c. 1935. The Lektrolite utilizes a catalytic reaction to develop enough heat to ignite the tip of a cigarette. This is done by inserting cigarette into the lighter and sucking air through, which causes fuel vapors (methanol) from the wadding to pass over a platinum element. The resulting chemical reaction of the mix of air and fuel in contact with the element causes it to heat up and the cigarette ignites.
The lighter is made of plastic and has never been used, although the fuel container is empty. Shipping with this fuel is prohibited in any case. Included is the original instruction brochure and box marked in pen 1.50. I assume this was the price. The box has slight wear as pictured.
The unique lighter was the product of Archie Moulton Andrews, a colorful entrpreneur who was also the President of Huppmoble car company and once promoted the cars by giving away these lighters. These lighters were also featured at the 1933/34 Chicago World's Fair.
ID: LEK 001 PRICE: $ 20.00