Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Lift-Arm Petrol Lighter — ANCO, c. 1940s

A sterling silver lift-arm petrol lighter stamped "SILVER MEXICO" with the ANCO maker's mark in a diamond cartouche on the face. Made in Mexico, almost certainly from the Taxco silversmithing tradition — the same city and era responsible for some of the finest silver work produced in the Americas during the mid-20th century.

The lift-arm mechanism is the one-handed ignition system popularized by Dunhill's 1927 "Unique" lighter and widely adopted by Mexican silversmiths who applied their own craft to the format. Solid silver body, clean construction, honest patina. The kind of everyday carry object that became a collectible simply by surviving in this condition.

Refillable petrol lighter. Flint may need replacement. Pre-owned, functions as expected for age. One of a kind.

Material: Sterling silver | Hallmark: ANCO / SILVER MEXICO | Mechanism: Lift-arm petrol | Circa: 1940s | Origin: Mexico