A scarce and characterful WW2 era Bowers Army & Navy lighter, produced in the USA and marked to Kalamazoo, Michigan. These early rope wick style lighters have become increasingly sought after for their rugged design, practical construction, and strong crossover appeal to collectors of vintage tobacciana, Americana, and wartime period items.

The body retains its original stamped maker details reading Bowers, Army & Navy, Lighter, USA, and Kalamazoo Mich. The original stamped marking remains present and can be made out in hand under good lighting and with close inspection, though age-related tarnish and the shallow nature of the factory engraving make it difficult to photograph clearly. However, comparison with other known examples has allowed the marking to be identified as:

Bowers
Army & Navy
Lighter
USA
Kalamazoo Mich

A particularly appealing feature is the traditional pull wick system paired with the side striker wheel, giving the piece a distinctive early mechanical charm rarely seen on later lighters. The striker wheel has been tested and produces a spark when operated. No fuel has been added to the wick while with us which means the wick is unburnt/ unused.

Condition is honest overall for age, showing surface tarnish, wear, age-related marks, and natural signs of long service use, all of which add to its authentic period character. A very displayable and increasingly hard to find original example with strong collector appeal