A fraction of a second and a flick of the thumb :

that's all it takes to ignite the flame of a

lighter. Yet this "simple" process is the result

of thousands of years of innovation in

man's quest to control fire. From makeshift

devices fashioned out of used bullet

cartridges by soldiers in the trenches of

World War I, to an elegant gold and silver

masterpiece by Cartier, lighters have evolved

since their creation less than a century ago. Useful and

effective marketing tools, lighters have been used to

promote everything from rubber

tires and house paint to

champagne and sports cars.

Collectible Lighters Showcases

over 400 of the designs that

have made the lighter one of

the most popular collectors'

items of the twentieth century.