1918 lighter - pat.ang.ges.gesch RK

[RubyJack]

Just purchased a lighter - brass under steel? - does not work, but it does click - want to know what pat.ang.ges.gesch RK stands for. That is what appears on the bottom - scratched on the side is the man's last name and 1918 and 42 div (I think). Any ideas? Thanks - I'm new to this site and would appreciate any info you can give me.

[Brett]

Hello RubyJack
Please post photos of the item in question & you will probably get a lot more replies. I can tell you that ges.gesch is an abbreviation of
gesetlich geschutzt , which basically translates as protected by law, registered, as for patent / design / trademark.

Regards
Brett

[HPL2008]

As Brett already said, "GES. GESCH." is the abbreviation for "gesetzlich geschützt" and means "registered design". (Literally: "protected by law")

"PAT. ANG." stands for "Patent angemeldet" and means "patent pending" (Literally: "submitted for patent")

"R.K." would be a maker's mark, apparently for Richard Kohn of Vienna. (see old lighters and more )

[RubyJack]

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Looks like a good little item. I am sure it could be made to work again.

If you are in the USA, I would be tempted to say the 42 Div refers to the US 42nd Inf Div (The Rainbow Div) and that the item could well have been taken from a German soldier?

Cheers, Ade.

[Battery Command Post]

The 42nd US Division was on occupation duties until well into 1919, so it could well have been purchased during this time

Rob

[Adrian Stevenson]

The 42nd US Division was on occupation duties until well into 1919, so it could well have been purchased during this time

Rob

I prefer the more "romantic" image of taking it off a vanquished foe.

Cheers, Ade.