The Lighter:
It is a cold painted spelter (9.5” h x 6.0” w) figure of the famous figure skater where the head hides the lighter mechanism. Cold painted means it was not fired like enamel, but “cold painted.” Spelter is a zinc–lead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. There are no manufacturer markings, but is most likely pre-World War II Japan.
The Ice GOAT:
Sonja Henie (8 April 1912 – 12 October 1969) was a Norwegian figure skater and film star. Henie has won more Olympic and World titles than any other ladies' figure skater ever. She is one of only two skaters in history to defend a ladies' singles Olympic title. Henie's unprecedented three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936) have not been matched by any ladies' single skater since, nor have her achievements as ten-time (1927–1936) consecutive World champion.
Henie is credited with being the first figure skater to adopt the short skirt in figure skating and making use of dance choreography. Her innovative skating techniques and glamorous demeanor transformed the sport permanently and made her a superstar. She was so popular that when she performed at figure skating exhibitions in both Europe and North America, police had to be called out for crowd control in major cities like Prague and New York.
She was the first skater to parlay her athletic success into a very lucrative acting career. A Hollywood acting career that she dominated, being one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood with multiple box-office hits. She was second only to Shirley Temple as America’s most popular actress.
Sonja died on a flight en route from Paris to Oslo. She is buried in Oslo on a hilltop overlooking a museum she founded, the Henie-Onstad Art Center. She accumulated a large collection of modern art together with her third husband Niels Onstad. They donated their private collection, as well as funds for construction and operation of the center in1961.
Personal Thoughts:
I have to admit I was originally attracted to the lighter because of the head mechanism. It reminded me of the old 1966 Batman TV show. There was a Shakespeare bust that also had a neck hinge, and when Batman tilted it back, it revealed a secret. I had never even heard of the famous Sonja Henie, but that's what's I find so amazing about old lighters. Every one of them has a history and story, and a few let you in on it.