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Though it is advertised as an automatic, the Elgin Automatic Lighter uses a very simple, semiautomatic sparking mechanism. These lighters are rare and known examples are unbranded. This design was patented by Henry Schiff in 1929, its name is derived from advertising. Like many lighters manufactured by Fay, the Elgin Automatic is made from alloy that can get brittle with age so they are often damaged and easily broken. (EB)