A decorative table lighter and music box designed as a miniature 16th-century style suit of armour. The figurine is constructed from cast metal with a polished finish, likely chrome or silver plating. The armour is modelled with a close helmet, breastplate, pauldrons, and full leg defences. The figure is mounted on a cylindrical black-lacquered base. This base features a series of circular apertures around its circumference, which serve as sound holes for an internal music box mechanism. The design is characteristic of mid-20th-century novelty smoker’s accessories, frequently attributed to manufacturers such as Eric Wedemeyer or Hamilton Manufacturing. No maker’s marks or signatures are visible on the metalwork or the accessible areas of the base.
Condition report:
The item is in fair condition, showing signs of significant age and use. The metal surfaces exhibit pitting, oxidation, and a heavy accumulation of dust and grime in the recessed areas. The cylindrical base shows substantial wear, with peeling and loss to the black lacquer finish revealing a brown composite material beneath. There is a vertical split and structural damage to one side of the base. The functionality of the lighter mechanism and the music box movement has not been tested.
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