Jeep-shaped Lighters

UPDATE: Mario shared his newest flea market find. It's a Ford GPA Seep shaped lighter that holds a lighter similar to the small flat fender jeep lighter shown below.

ford-gpa-lighter-seep-mario31
ford-gpa-lighter-seep-mario32
ford-gpa-lighter-seep-mario3

While searching for another example of the above SEEP lighter, I discovered someone made a SEEP ashtray. It may have been a one-off build, but it's neat none-the-less:

ford-gpa-seep-ashtray1
ford-gpa-seep-ashtray2
ford-gpa-seep-ashtray3
ford-gpa-seep-ashtray4

From the Collectors Weekly website: "This is another more unusual piece of trench art. This model is 6" long and stands about 1 3/4" tall. The body is of shell brass and the wheels are "42" and "43" dated .50 cal rounds. The headlights are smaller rifle brass cartridges, dated "43". The center portion lifts out for cleaning."

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Original Post (Feb 2020): I just returned from a quick trip to Seattle, so limited updates today.

While there, I picked up three different sizes of Jeep lighters (thanks to Dan)! I plan to keep one of each and will sell some of the others. I tried to price these on eBay, but none of these are currently on eBay.

The largest one is particularly cool (far right). To ignite it, you collapse the steering wheel; the fire shoots out the hood. I'll get a video of it tomorrow. The smaller ones are surprisingly heavy.

jeep-lighters1
jeep-lighters2
jeep-lighters3

The medium and small jeeps came with refill instructions (both the same). They paper is roughly 4"x4, folded in half. Given "printed in Japan" is on the paper, I imagine the two smaller lighters were produced in Japan.

jeep-lighter-refill-instructions

There's another, similar version of the smaller jeep lighters above that's an LRDG jeep model. You can see one pic below and more pics of that jeep here: http://www.ewillys.com/2020/01/08/jeep-cigarette-lighter-on-ebay/

jeep-lighter-4

The jeep-shaped lighter (and ashtray) I run cross most often for sale is the German Walter Baier type, which apparently was only sold on US Bases in Germany after the war (I have no documentation of that, other than this info was part of an eBay ad). Here's a good example of the lighter:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Walter-Baier-Aluminum-Willy-Jeep-Lighter-Holder-Ashtray-West-German/293491239068?

german-lighter-ashtray-jeep

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Dennis noted that there was a CJ-5-shaped lighter. I was able to find a picture of one, but it is unclear to me how it works.

japanese-cj5-jeep-lighter

20 Comments

  1. Dennis in Astoria
    I have the one on the left side of the photo and possibly the middle one. ( In storage in Ohio ) Would have been cool if the box had more information on it. I also have a CJ5-ish version.
    1. David Eilers
      Dennis: I found a pic of a Japanese CJ-5 lighter and added it to the post. - Dave
  2. Brad
    I have one similar to the bottom jeep with trailer only mine has a date of "1951" with the map.
    1. David Eilers
      Brad: I can't remember if I've seen one with a date. Could you send a pic of it to d @ deilers.com if you have a chance? Thanks, - Dave
  3. Dennis in Astoria
    Brad, I've only found one at an antique store about 10 years ago. They were asking close to $600! It stayed in that booth for many years, may even still be there. David, I dont recall how the CJ5 one works either at the moment, again in storage. I'm working with someone to start shipping my collection out to me but being my ex I'm not sure how it will go lol.
    1. David Eilers
      I can relate to that struggle. Best of luck!
  4. Kevin Quast
    I recently acquired a jeep lighter, like the one in the middle. Any information would be helpful. Thank you.
  5. David Eilers
    Kevin, I've added a photo of the refill instructions that were included with the small and medium lighters (same instructions in both). Given the instructions were printed in Japan, I imagine the two smaller jeeps were also manufactured there. That's all the info I have on these. Feel free to email me at d @ deilers.com if you have other questions or would like a high resolution image of the refill instructions (I'll scan it). - Dave - Dave
  6. Mirko Trubka
    Hi everybody, I have in my collection almost a hundred models of jeep in various scales, the largest 1: 6 as an RC model and a completely miniature with a size of 12 mm as a casting. I haven't registered the above yet, thanks for putting it out. - ROUGH RIDER
    1. David Eilers
      Miri, thanks for the comment. It sounds like you have quite the collection!! I will be updating this post in the next couple of days with a Ford GPA SEEP lighter similar to the jeeps above and an usual SEEP ashtray. Thanks, -Dave
  7. Charlotte
    Long shot, I know.... but does anyone have the amphibious jeep lighter for sale? My dad has a goa and he is the hardest person to buy presents for! Thanks :)
  8. Dale Campbell
    Would be interested in purchasing one each if available Thanks Dale
    1. David Eilers
      Hi Dale. I'll email you. - Dave
  9. Carlos Barragan
    Hi Dave I just bought this WWII Jeep lighter in Emmett, Idaho. No paper or marking. If I can figure how to post the pictures I will. Any idea what one is worth? I paid $20.00.
  10. David Eilers
    Hi Carlos, Feel free to email pics to d@deilers.com and I'll check it out. I lived in Eagle when I started eWillys, so I'm somewhat familiar with the Emmett area. Thanks, - Dave
  11. Donna Marie Guarino
    I have the CJ5 lighter!!!!
  12. Cream
    I have a Ford GPA E-6 lighter that I would sell to the highest bidder!!!
  13. David Eilers
    Cream, This is Dave from eWillys. I am interested. If you send me some pics and a price I will consider it. You can email them to d@deilers.com. Thanks, - Dave eWiillys.com
  14. Steve
    I have 2 of these with the lighters both working and in amazing condition. I can part with them if someone wants them.

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