This is an ornately engraved Japanese petrol lighter, with a 950 Silver case (a higher standard of silver than 925 sterling), dating to around the 1940's, & marked with the Japanese silver mark '950 STERLING'.

The front of the case is ornately engraved all over, with a central figure of a Japanese lady (or perhaps a Geisha), wearing a kimono & holding a parasol. There is a vacant cartouche to the top left hand side.

The rear of the case has an engraved scrolling foliate design.

The edges of the case are plain, with the base having the impressed mark '950 STERLING' (in Japan, ordinances of 1928 (& 1954) called for the use of the decimal standard marks '950 Sterling' or '950 Silver' to replace the character mark 'jungin').

The lighter mechanism is of plated brass & is similar to the American 'Zippo'. The lighter fits tightly into the case & the thumb wheel turns freely & sparks the flint, although the lighter would need fuel & a wick to light.

Condition is good for it's 60 odd years, there is a little sideways play of the lid, which has around 3 small, shallow bruises on top & there is a 5 mm split on the bottom R/H front of the lid where it follows the line of engraving - this does not detract, but please see magnified photos.

The case measures approx 2 1/4" high, 1 3/8" wide, & 3/8" deep.