Maruman vintage gas lighters (info & pics)

[Lexxxus]

I love lighters and have a soft spot in my heart for old butane lighters... In the mid-late 70's I was a cigarette smoking young adult who loved gadgets and always was spending my money on the latest "cool" lighter...

Maruman is a name that comes to mind and I thought I'd share some info on the long defunct brand.

Brief company history:

1950's
1950 Nippon Gold Metal Industry Co., Ltd. Established
1952 Changed the company name to Maruman Co., Ltd.
1953 Development of the first electric gold plating method in Japan
1955 Started the manufacture of wrist watch bands
1956 Started exporting wristwatch bands
1959 Development of the first gas lighter in Japan
1960's
1961 Won the first prize in the New York International Lighter Fair
1965 Development of first electronic gas lighter in world

In the 70's and 80's they continued to produce lighters and made some of the most unique and innovative designs of the time. It was during the 70's they got into golf club manufacturing (which they continue to do)

I have not seen a new Maruman lighter since the late 70's (early 80's?) and I always keep an eye out for a minty used one or NOS (new old stock) The nicest Marumans (IMO) being the electronic ones made late in their history.

They had one with an LCD clock and even this one that incorporated a mini-calculator (OK, that's far from their nicest, but if you had one at the time you were Tres cool!)



They had a line of "IC" (Integrated Circuit) lighters that were ahead of their time (this was around the same era as the Pulsar LED watch when technology was starting to enter consumer goods in a big way)



This is a Solatron (Circa '78 / also Japanese) and they too did an LCD watch / clock lighter (I had an identical one that some femme scooped from me in my bar-hopping days)



Back to the Marumans: They also marketed a cheaper lower-end line (whose name escapes me) that were quite inferior, but the Maruman brand was very well made and produced a great flame.

Their downside was they were susceptable to "clogging" if not used. You can see them on auction and they are often sold in non-working condition.

The rubber seals were another problem as they would leak over many years on inactivity. They also had a weird filler valve and not all butane cans had the appropriate nozzle.

Should you find one in non-working condition I'll caution that they are difficult to repair but a fellow by the name of Richard (in the UK) operates a company called "Strike a Light" he is an expert who repairs and services these lost classics. Strike A Light - repair your lighter (Spares and Repairs)

If memory serves, it was after the demise of Maruman that Colibri surfaced (and made and "Killer" product early on) And now they're gone too.

Got Maruman?

Post pics!

Maybe I'll snap some of mine and maybe get some pics from Richard. He has had virtually every one made.

[Lexxxus]

This one's a beauty. It's an IC 508 (I think?)

Heavy gold plate with blue lacquer... Circa approx 1979.





The workmanship on these old IC models was incredible.

[d_day]

I've got an old Japanese lighter at home. I think it's a Solatron, but I'm not sure. I'll take a looksee when I get home and try to shoot some pics. It's a very slim lighter with no buttons to push. Just open the top, and touch a certain spot, and it lights. It was working flawlessly last time I used it.

[Lexxxus]

You might have a Maruman on your hands... that describes a series they made that was part of the IC line. Yes, please post the picture!

[d_day]

It turns out it is neither a Solatron nor a Maruman. It is a Win, with "#7100" on the bottom. I just did a search on Google and found nothing about the company, aside from a half dozen eBay listings.

[Lexxxus]

If you read my initial post I write about a lower cost line by Maruman... in was in fact WIN!

So, you in essence do have a Maruman!

[d_day]

Originally Posted by Lexxxus

If you read my initial post I write about a lower cost line by Maruman... in was in fact WIN!

So, you in essence do have a Maruman!

Well, it appears I have helped you remember the name. At least I was good for something!