POW HAND MADE LIGHTER
These pictures do not do justice to this wonderful piece. It has the initials RC engraved into the front and the name "Ricordo Caproni 1946" The lighter opens from underneath by inserting a coin into a slot and twisting - this allows you to fill the lighter with gas. The top flicks open to reveal the wick. The striker is built into the side as you can see from the above pictures.
This lighter is hand made from bullet shells and other bits of metal found discarded around a prison camp. Made by an Italian pow during his stay in a German pow camp it was given by Ricordo to a Ukranian prison guard who had treated him well during his stay. This lighter remained in the hands of the prison guard until just recently when around the age of 75 gave it to my Father who inturn handed down to me. No deal had exchanged between my Father and the Guard (whos' nane I do not know), though he gave the lighter to my Father in appreciation of him giving a pair of work boots to guard a few weeks earlier.
Ricordo CAPRONI
We have tried to trace the Italians' family but hav had no luck so far. If you have any information regarding this lighter or Ricordo, please contact us.
