How to Collect Cigarette Lighters

Cigarette lighters carry an appeal because they have a functional value as well as a sentimental one. You can use them to light candles, cigarettes or cigars, or just for decoration.

Instructions

1. Start looking for lighters. There are many different kinds--disposable, which is the most common, or refillable; push down or flip; plus a variety of others which come in all sizes and shapes.

2. Decide what types of lighters you would prefer to collect. You may want to go with a certain theme or certain type of lighter, like those that have particular sites, like the Eiffel Tower or the Grand Canyon. One collector, whose website is listed below, collected from different periods, such as the 50s and 60s.

3. Let others know that you are collecting cigarette lighters. Since lighters are not that expensive (or don't have to be), people could pick up unusual lighters for you when they see them. One collector listed his collection on his web page so people wouldn't duplicate what he already had.

4. Select lighters when you are on vacation or just traveling to places you haven't been before. You can also find lighters in your local area that are unusual or different, so make sure you check out the stores when you shop.

5. Use the Internet. You can find old lighters with Brand names such as Evans, Zippo and Ronson on various sites.

6. Find something to display your lighter collection in. A curio cabinet or wall shelf will do. You don't want to go to all the trouble of collecting cigarette lighters and then hide them away in a drawer or shoe box.