Rare Vintage Knight Helmet Table Lighter Armour Head Japan Metal Tobacciana

This rare vintage knight helmet table lighter is a superb Japanese-made piece, cast in metal with ornate armour detailing and a hinged brass-tone visor. It has real presence - weighty, finely modelled and clearly produced to a higher standard than many mid-century figural lighters.

When the visor is pressed down, the lighter's spring-loaded ignition mechanism activates the flip-up striker at the top of the helmet. All moving parts operate well. A fantastic display item for fans of medieval themes, Japanese metalwork or tobacciana.

Condition:
Good vintage condition overall with age-related surface wear. The lighter mechanism functions correctly but will require a new flint, and the metal would benefit from a light clean or polish to taste. Sold empty of fuel in line with postal regulations. Please study the photos.

Circa:
Estimated 1960s-1980s. Japanese export table lighters of this type were commonly produced during the mid-late 20th century, but this knight-helmet format is far less common than the usual animals or novelty shapes.

Maker / Historical Context:
Unmarked, typical of Japanese independent metalware factories producing high-quality desk and table lighters for export. The construction, weight and visor-triggered mechanism are all consistent with Japanese design from the era - reliable, mechanical and geared toward the adult gift and tobacciana market rather than novelty retail.

Dimensions & Item Details:
Design: Knight's armour helmet with hinged visor
Material: Cast metal with brass-tone visor
Fuel: Butane (supplied empty)
Mechanism: Visor-press activation, flip-up striker
Origin: Japan
Era: 1960s-1980s

Notes:
Highly sought-after figural Japanese table lighter
Excellent desk display for medieval or armour collectors
Functional mechanical design - visor triggers ignition
Scarcer than the usual Japanese animal-figure or novelty forms