Need help with this little gem

[Horse with no Name]

I came across this lighter. I know it is at LEAST vintage, not sure about antique.
It is large and sits on the table.
It works great.
It is silver colored and has "FOUR STAR" inscripted on the bottom. It was also made in Japan.
I have scanned it but I haven't polished it up.
I have absolutely no idea what it is worth or anything or where even to look.
Any help would be appreciated.:)

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

1. My parents had something like that in the fifties

It sat on the coffee table next to a box for cigarettes and an ashtray. That was when smoking was the "in" thing. Anyway, I think it was probably purchased overseas during that time (my dad was military).

[Horse with no Name]

4. Thanks for your help!

[Stinky The Clown]

2. This was from the era of 'Cheap Japanese Crap'

Which was immediately following WWII and ran into the mid to late 50s.

The lighter was a novelty. It appears from the picture yours was never lit (the wick appears to be pure virginal white). It is likely that it will work if you fill it, but that would also take a full bottle of lighter fluid (at least!).

Early stuff from this period would have been marked "Occupied Japan" and is worth more than the same item marked "Made in Japan" or just "Japan".

That twenty dollar bill should buy you several more of that lighter.

If it said "Occupied Japan" and you found the right buyer, your twenty might find itself keeping company with at least one more.

[zabet]

3. These size lighters are still being made....

Not the same manufacturer but the same lighter. Possibly can
give you an idea of how to price it or what to expect to sell
it for.



27.81 each
This working giant cigarette lighter is a monster that has the potential to singe your eyebrows - nevertheless a popular item and great fun. Measuring in at nearly 7-inches tall it will take about 3 cans of lighter fluid to fill. These lighters include flint and wadding, but fluid is not included.
http://www.greatbigstuff.com/lighter.html

?cell=200,200&cvt=jpeg
$27.97
The next time someone asks for a light, pull this 6 5/8 x 4 1/2 x 1 1/2" Giant Lighter out from behind the bar. They'll fall off their stool! They'll be even more amazed at how well this Lighter WORKS... even the most stubborn cigar can't hold up to the giant-sized flame.
Brushed chrome finish, includes flint. Weighs 1 lb., 14 ozs. Note: Just fill with lighter fluid as a normal-sized lighter, fluid not included.
http://www.bargainoutfitters.com/cb/cb.asp?a=267792