Description

Antique WWI Period French Plain Service / Trench Lighter – c.1914–1918

A rare and authentic French World War I service or trench lighter, crafted from stainless steel and dating to the 1914–1918 Great War. With its clean, minimalist design, removable protective cap, and original striker mechanism, this compact petrol lighter represents the practical equipment carried by French soldiers both at the front and behind the lines.

This lighter has the original French tax stamp as per image.

• Authentic French WWI-period service/trench lighter

• Lightweight stainless steel construction

• Original removable protective cap

• Hinged striker wheel with wick holder

• Compact pocket-sized military design

• Attractive aged aluminium finish with original character

• Scarcer aluminium model compared with typical brass examples

Condition

Presented in poor condition. Unable to open the inside to replace flint or fill with fuel. Outside is corroded badly. Maybe able to refurbish.

Historical Background

During the First World War, dependable petrol lighters became indispensable personal items for soldiers. French troops used both commercially manufactured service lighters and handcrafted trench-made examples, with models becoming increasingly practical due to their lighter weight and resistance to corrosion.

Many of these pocket lighters survived the war as treasured keepsakes, making original, untouched examples increasingly difficult to find more than a century later.

Approximate Dimensions

• Height (without cap): Approx. 5 cm

• Height (with cap): Approx. 5.5 cm

• Width: Approx. 3 cm

• Depth: Approx. 1.8 cm

Why Collect It?

• Authentic WWI French military-era lighter

• Original removable cap and striker mechanism

• Excellent untouched wartime patina

• Ideal for militaria and antique lighter collections

• A genuine piece of First World War personal equipment

This Antique WWI French Plain Service / Trench Lighter is a wonderful survivor from the Great War

Perfect for collectors of WWI militaria, French military antiques, antique petrol lighters, trench art, and historical smoking accessories.

Check out our collectors guides on Lighters