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At least three versions of the Marathon Automatic were produced. The earliest version features scrolled facing on the sides of the mechanism, similar to Evans Roller Bearing pocket lighters from the same era. The second variations uses the same parallel snuffer and thumb-pad shape as the original model but with an elegant vertical design on the sides of the mechanism. The third version uses a more slender, raised thumb pad with the same vertical design on the sides of the mechanism.

Available patent information for these lighters is confusing. First, second and some third version examples are marked "PATS PEND" on their base. Some third version examples marked "U.S. PATENT NO.1857200" by Carl Julius Lagerholm. Shown below, this patent was filed in 1928 by Evans Case Co. but the accompanying patent drawing does not resemble Marathon's lighter. The third version of the Marathon Automatic more closely resembles U.S. Patent 1891020 by Robert S. Blair and also filed in 1928 by Evans. (EB)