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Designed by founder Louis V. Aronson in 1926, some collectors believe The Ronson Lighter was the very first fully automatic lighter produced. In fact, Aronson's design is predated by numerous fully automatic figural and table lighter models produced in Europe and the U.S. by SIG, Ludwig Heymann, Kluss, Guinn, Handilite, Steele & Johnson and likely others.

Text engraved on the snuffer reads: RONSON LIGHTER, PAT'D DEC 31, 1918, OTHER PAT. P'D'G. This patent refers to a process for manufacturing ferrocerium castings, it does not directly pertain to the design of the Ronson Lighter. Because Art Metal Works began producing these lighters before Aronson's utility patent was officially accepted, the 1918 date was likely printed on the lighters to deter patent infringement.

Despite its muddled history, The Ronson Lighter is an important and iconic lighter. Nicknamed "Banjo" by collectors, original pocket and table versions were produced using this lighter mechanism. Vintage Ronson Lighter reproductions were made in the 1990s and modern reproductions are still produced today. (EB)