Product Description

The World War II British Military Issue Tommy Lighter is a compact, rugged pocket lighter designed for use by British soldiers during wartime service. Issued to troops throughout the 1940s, this lighter is a symbol of ingenuity and resilience under harsh battlefield conditions. Often made from brass or steel, the Tommy lighter features a simple, wind-resistant design, typically constructed from repurposed or salvaged materials due to wartime shortages. Its flint-wheel ignition and cotton wick ensure reliable fire-starting, even in challenging environments like the trenches or European frontlines.

The Tommy lighter’s lidless, tubular body allowed easy access with gloved or cold hands, a vital feature during combat or harsh winters. Unlike more refined civilian models, it emphasized function over form—durable, practical, and refillable with petrol. Many lighters were personalized by soldiers with engravings or unit markings, adding historical and sentimental value to surviving pieces. These lighters were not only tools for lighting cigarettes or fires but also became morale-boosting items that offered a small comfort from home amid the chaos of war. Today, the Tommy lighter remains a cherished collectible, reflecting both the practical demands and personal stories of the British servicemen who carried them.