Real Market Results from Bygone Relics – Last update June 2026
A curated archive of recent antique and vintage collectables sold through Bygone Relics. This page provides real-world selling prices, item descriptions, and historical context to help collectors, researchers, and estate owners understand current market values.
Recent Sold Items
Rare Antique WWI French Éclair 75-30 Tax Stamped Foxhole Trench Lighter
Original WWI French Éclair 75-30 trench lighter featuring tax stamp markings and military-era brass construction, showing authentic battlefield patina.
Sold Price
$115
Description
A genuine World War I-era French trench lighter, believed to have been manufactured or distributed under the Éclair 75-30 designation. These lighters were commonly made from spent artillery shell casings or brass cartridge cases and used by soldiers in the trenches for lighting cigarettes, candles, and field equipment.
The presence of a tax stamp indicates official regulation or taxation of smoking-related goods during the period, adding historical interest and authenticity.
Why It Sold / Collectability
This piece attracted interest due to its strong WWI provenance and honest battlefield wear. Key factors included:
- Authentic WWI trench warfare association
- Original Éclair 75-30 stamping
- Visible tax stamp marking
- Hand-formed wartime construction
- Strong historical storytelling appeal
- Increasing scarcity of untouched trench lighters
Trench lighters remain highly collectable as personal artefacts of soldiers’ daily life during wartime.
Vintage ZIPPO Lighter – Australian Navy HMAS Ovens Submarine Logo (1986, USA Made)
Vintage Zippo windproof lighter featuring HMAS Ovens Australian Navy submarine insignia, manufactured in the USA with 1986 date stamp.
Sold Price
$145
Description
A genuine 1986-dated Zippo lighter produced in the USA, featuring Australian Royal Navy submarine HMAS Ovens insignia. These commemorative military-themed Zippos were commonly issued or sold as onboard memorabilia and naval souvenirs, celebrating service vessels and crew associations.
HMAS Ovens was an Oberon-class submarine that served in the Royal Australian Navy during the Cold War era and is now preserved as a museum vessel in Fremantle. Naval-branded Zippos from this period are highly collectible due to their limited production and strong military association.
Why It Sold / Collectability
This piece achieved strong interest due to its combination of naval history, Zippo collectability, and dated authenticity. Key factors included:
- Genuine 1986 USA-made Zippo
- Australian Navy HMAS Ovens submarine insignia
- Strong Cold War military heritage connection
- Collectable naval commemorative issue
- High demand for military and Zippo crossover items
- Increasing scarcity of original branded service memorabilia
Military-themed Zippos remain consistently desirable, particularly those linked to specific ships or submarines with documented service history.
