return to Pollak index

The patent for the National and Petite models was applied for by Abraham Pollak and Joseph F. O'Brien in 1928. This pocket lighter design features a snuffer arm that pivots horizontally, a primary distinction between these models and the conventional double bar lift arms produced by Pollak and many other manufacturers during this era. The patent for the Pollak-O'Brien design was assigned to the Clark Light Company. These lighters were most likely manufactured by Pollak and the patent later assigned to Clark via litigation for design infringement to stop their sale and production. The "National" name appears on packaging of one example, another version has "Petite U.S.A" marked on its fuel screw. Most of these lighters are unbranded, another indication they were not manufactured by Clark. At least four versions of these Pollak "swing arm" models were produced with slightly different thumbwheel and flint screw shapes, spark wheel mountings and base types. (EB)