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• ASR Lighters all use the same base lighter mechanism. At least three identifiable variations of the ARS mechanism were produced, which is helpful for dating individual models.
• The earliest version matches Richard Landerwehr's 1945 design patent drawing, replete with slotted windguard. Notably, this version uses a different-shaped snuffer release than shown in Landerwehr’s first 1945 utility patent. The production version uses the snuffer-release design in his 1946 patent drawing.
• The 2nd version of the ASR Lighter also uses Landerwehr’s 1946 patent design without a slotted windguard and appears in 1947 advertising. This version was likely produced until 1949/1950
• The 3rd version was advertised as the “ASR Ascot” and uses a snuffer-release based on Herman Treiss’ 1949 utility patent. This version was produced until manufacturing ceased in the mid-1950s.