Description

Very Rare Antique WWI Period French Brass 7563 Service / Trench Lighter – c.1914–1918

A scarce and highly collectable French WWI-period service or trench lighter, this solid brass petrol lighter is an excellent example of the compact pocket lighters carried by soldiers during the First World War. Marked with the distinctive “7563” stamp, this unusual model features a removable protective cap, hinged striker wheel, and wick ignition system, embodying the practical ingenuity of wartime personal equipment.

Unlike many improvised trench-art lighters fashioned from spent ammunition, this appears to be a purpose-made French service lighter dating to the 1914–1918 Great War era, making it a particularly desirable piece for collectors of militaria, antique lighters, and early smoking accessories.

Features

• Original French WWI-period brass petrol lighter

• Stamped “7563” on the body

• Removable brass protective cap

• Hinged striker wheel with original-style wick holder

• Compact pocket-sized military design

• Beautiful aged brass patina developed over more than a century

• A rare and uncommon collector’s model

Condition

Presented in good antique condition, with honest age-related wear consistent with over 100 years of use and storage. The brass has developed an attractive darkened patina, while the striker assembly and wick holder remain intact. The lighter has not been tested with fuel and is offered as a collectible display piece.

Historical Background

During the First World War, reliable pocket lighters became essential personal items for soldiers serving in the trenches. French troops carried both commercially produced service lighters and locally made trench-art examples, with compact brass petrol lighters proving especially popular due to their durability and wind-resistant design.

Examples bearing numerical production marks such as 7563 are encountered far less frequently than common civilian lighters of the period, adding to this piece’s appeal for advanced collectors of WWI militaria.

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

• Rare numbered model marked 7563

• Excellent addition to trench-art and militaria collections

• Original removable cap and striker assembly

• Attractive century-old brass patina

• A conversation-worthy display piece with genuine wartime character

A scarce survivor from the Great War, this French Brass 7563 Service / Trench Lighter represents a fascinating piece of everyday military history—combining practicality, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of authentic World War I collectibles.

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

Check out our collectors guides on Lighters