Baer & Wilde Co.

New Carlton & Swank full automatic lighters

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Baer & Wilde introduced the "new" Carlton Automatic in 1930. Similar to the original Carlton in name only, the new version was a very handsome full automatic lighter that uses a mechanism that's very similar to Evans Roller Bearing lighters. By 1932 the new Carlton Automatic was rebranded as the Swank Automatic, several years before Swank would become company's corporate name. Even though the full automatic Carlton and Swank are essentially the same mechanically, the Carlton version has an angular-shaped thumb lever while the Swank's lever has a more rounded shape. (EB)


New Carlton Automatic

green & black enamel

New Carlton Automatic

green & black enamel

Swank Automatic

red & black enamel with eggshell design

Swank Automatic

red & black enamel with eggshell design

New Carlton Automatic

with open snuffer

New Carlton Automatic

1930 advertising

New Carlton Automatic

1930 advertising

Swank Automatic

1932 advertising

Swank Automatic

1932 advertising