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RARE Vintage 1935 New Method "Presto" Automatic Squeeze Petrol Lighter
Arthur Dubsky Austrian Mechanism | Integrated Removable "Candle" Insert | Fully Restored & WorkingMechanical & Restoration Details
Full Teardown & Clean: Completely disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned to remove decades of buildup, and hand-polished.
Spark & Ignition: Flint wheel and flint tube completely cleared of old oxidized flint; strikes crisp, strong sparks.
Fuel System Overhaul: Packed with fresh rayon wadding and installed a high-efficiency cotton wick.
Evaporation Seal: Fitted with a new fuel cap seal ring to prevent fluid leakage and slow down fuel evaporation.
Action: Smooth side-squeeze actuation; snuffer lifts cleanly and mechanism resets without sticking.Collector & Historical Significance
Produced around 1935, the "Presto" was distributed by the New Method Co. out of Bradford, Pennsylvania. The defining feature of this model is its high-grade internal squeeze mechanism, imported directly from legendary Austrian manufacturer Arthur Dubsky.
Key Features:
Art Deco Side-Squeeze Actuation: Squeezing/compressing the ribbed panel automatically lifts the snuffer cap while simultaneously striking the wheel for instant one-handed ignition.
Removable "Candle" Fuel Tank: The inner fuel unit slides cleanly out of the frame while lit. This acts as a portable torch/candle, making it exceptionally functional for pipe lighting, campfires, or hard-to-reach places without burning your fingers on the body casing.Condition Notes
Fully restored and bench-tested. Plated finish displays minor vintage patina and light micro-scratching consistent with age, but no major dents, deep gouges, or structural flaws. Ready for daily pocket use or high-end lighter display collections. (Shipped un-fueled per postal regulations).
