Jacques & Heinrich Kellermann

Derby, Pluro & Snap-Lite

return to Kellermann index


The Derby is a semi-automatic pocket lighter patented by Dr.Heinrich Kellermann in 1929. It was exported to England and sold using the names "Snaplite" and "Pluros". Japanese copies were also produced during the mid-1930s by Sakakura. (EB)


British Utility Patent - 1929

Dr.Heinrich Kellermann, 1929/1931

Kellermann Derby

with original box

Kellermann Derby

white celluloid covering with French tax plate

Kellermann Derby

white celluloid covering with French tax plate

Kellermann Derby

base marking

Kellermann Derby

inlayed abolone & mother-of-pearl covering

Kellermann Derby

inlayed abolone & mother-of-pearl covering

Kellermann Derby

Dutch 800 silver casing

Kellermann Derby

Dutch 800 silver casing

Kellermann Derby

variations compared

Kellermann Derby

variations compared

Kellermann Derby

variations compared

Kellermann Pluro

plain finish

Derby Grand Lux

1930 French wholesale advertising

Derby Automatique

1930 French wholesale advertising

Clifton Snaplite

1930 English wholesale advertising

Briquet Derby Automatique

1933 French wholesale advertising

Kellermann Derby

compared with Japanese Derby copy

Kellermann Derby

compared with Japanese Derby copy

Sakakura No.49

Japanese Derby copy c.1935