The French tax stamp on this lighter indicates it was made from the 1920s to the 1940s and sold in France. Every lighter, be it homemade or mass produced, was required to have a metal stamp from the Minister of Finances displayed on it's exterior.
It is a Fulmen Parisien lighter, and I believe it was made in France. Tax stamps were also required on lighters imported into France. The lighter is made to look like a bullet cartridge, a style popularized after WWI, when many soldiers were returning with lighters that were hand made from discarded cartridges from the battlefield. The body of the lighter is made from brass, and the lid is brass plated in nickel or chrome. The chrome plating is wearing off in places, adding to it's aged look and patina. The bottom of the lighter reads "Fulmen Parisien" on the top and bottom lines, while the middle reads "marque deposee" which loosely translates to trademark.
The lighter is in good working order, with a strong spark and a steady flame. The wick seems to have seen little use, but could have been replaced at any point in it's life. The lid often catches on the lighter insert, pulling it out with it, but it can easily be pushed back in.
By buying a vintage lighter, you are committing to lowering your carbon footprint. Though they may take more maintenance than a modern disposable lighter, these lighters were meant to be used for a lifetime. They can be refilled with flint and lighter fluid time and time again, the wick and wadding can be replaced when necessary, and are eternally fixable. Buy a reusable lighter, and help cut down on the excess of plastic waste.
Lighter will ship with a flint installed, just remove the lighter insert, add lighter fluid, and it's ready to light. Due to international shipping law, I cannot include a flint in international orders. No returns or refunds, vintage items are sold as-is. If you have any trouble with the lighter please contact me and I can help you sort it out. Quarter and display stand for scale, not included.
Vintage lighters can be prone to failure. All items are guaranteed as advertised. If I list a lighter as working, it will be in working order, or you can return it for a full refund. After regular use however, anything could go wrong, and I cannot guarantee it's longevity. Use only at your own risk. Collecting lighters is a fun hobby, but any type of lighter or firestarter comes with inherent risks. I am not liable for any damages caused by my products buy. I do not modify lighters in any way, they function as designed by the original manufacturer. Not for sale to anybody under 18. Regardless of function, lighters are sold as collectors items only.
Product code: Fulmen Parisien Bullet Lighter - French buy Tax Stamp - 1920-1940 - Working Vintage Lighter