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his is a vintage Ronson combination cigarette case and petrol lighter — a single pocket piece that holds cigarettes on both sides and lights them from the built-in mechanism at the top. Ronson (originally Art Metal Works of Newark, New Jersey, founded by Louis V. Aronson) popularized these “case-lighters” from the late 1920s through the 1950s. Yours is a later chrome example, most consistent with 1940s–early 1950s production (Ten-A-Case / Mastercase family and related chrome models).Form and size
Closed it measures about 3.3 inches tall by 4 inches wide and is relatively slim. The case is a rounded-corner rectangle with the lighter head integrated into the top edge of the right half. It opens book-style on a hinge; the left lid is a full cigarette compartment, the right side is the matching compartment plus the lighter assembly.Exterior
Bright chrome-plated metal with a classic machine-age layout:
- Vertical engine-turned (guilloché) stripes in groups on the left and right thirds
- A broad polished center panel
- A small recessed rectangular cartouche near the top — left blank for a monogram or initials
The chrome still has good reflectivity but shows honest pocket wear: fine scratches, light scuffing, and some softening of the high points. A small filler/flint opening is visible on the lighter head.Interior
This is the showpiece. Both halves are covered in Ronson’s engine-turned “jeweled” or diamond-quilt pattern — a repeating field of faceted, overlapping diamonds that catch the light. A single spring-loaded retaining bar stretches across the right compartment. It is engine-turned with a wave pattern and stampedRONSONin the center. The bar keeps cigarettes from falling out when the case is closed. Hinges and catch appear intact in the photos.Lighter
Integrated wick-and-flint petrol lighter (not butane). The mechanism sits in the top of the right half with a small operating lever/arm typical of Ronson’s one-motion or lift-arm case designs. These were designed so you could take a cigarette and light it without carrying a separate lighter. Like almost all vintage Ronsons of this type, it will need a new flint and Ronsonol (or Zippo-type) fluid to work; it should not be shipped with fuel.Context
Ronson marketed these as elegant everyday objects for the smoking public — “the world’s greatest lighter” combined with a proper case. Chrome striped and engine-turned versions sat between the earlier colorful enamel Art Deco pieces (Tuxedo, Mastercase Delight, etc.) and later 1950s–60s leather or butane models. The quilted interior and stamped retaining bar are signature Ronson details.
Condition summary (from the photos)
Good, complete vintage condition. Chrome is bright with expected surface wear; interior pattern remains crisp and attractive; no obvious major dents or missing parts. A practical display piece or a restorable working combo.
