I’m a sucker for kitsch, so when I spotted this plastic 8-ball on a green stand, I had to pick it up. The top lifts off, showing a lighter inside it, making it a rockin’ display piece for the rec room or bar, even if you don’t have a pool table or don’t collect tobacciana; so I put it up for sale in my case at the Moorhead Antique Mall.
These vintage 8-ball lighters can be refilled; the flints and wicks likely are replaceable too.
This this one has “Don’t Get Behind Me!” stamped onto the green base.
Others are clearly more commercial, with promotional tag lines advertising companies and products.
This one has a faux marble base with “Keep Out From Behind With Wabeno Bottling Works, Beer and Soda, Phone Wabeno 55 — Clarence G. Adams” printed on it.
This one has printing on both sides of the base: “You’ll never be behind the 8-Ball when you buy your advertising” on one side, “1929 20th Business Anniversary 1949 Representing” on the other.
(Given that the printed text is so poorly positioned right under the plastic pool ball and nearly nonsensical, I suspect it’s a vintage display piece or salesman’s tool for selling the printed novelty items.)
None of these vintage 8-ball lighters seem to have maker marks or marks for where they were made; the rumor is they were made in Japan.
But in any case, they are cool!
Additional Image Credits:
Wabena Bottling Words (Wabena, Wisconsin) lighter photo via Whatnot Collectibles.
Vintage 8-ball lighter with printing on both sides of the base from Gathered Goods and Curiosities.
