A large and small sized aluminum jeep lighters. These wonderful and novel pieces were made very soon after the guns fell silent in Germany in World War Two. This type of product was built from leftover pieces of munitions and military wares by, predominantly by soldiers recently back from the front lines, now looking to take on a new form of employment. They are essentially what is known as "Trench Art", except, rather than being made by service men and women whilst off the front lines, these were made in a factory. 

Featured here are the two versions that were made; a smaller three inch version, and the larger five inch version, complete with its ash tray trailer. Both examples are sparked by using the door handles on the Jeeps. The larger one and sparks from the center of the bonnet, or hood. The smaller version springs from the roof. Both are fueled with lighter fluid, and are filled via the underneath. The larger version, also with having the original ash tray 'trailer', also has a cigarette compartment hidden in the roof of the Jeep.

On the roof of the large Jeep attached is a medal commemorating the Berlin Blockade; 24th June 1948 until 12th May 1949. This was one of the first major incidents of the Cold War. After the end of World War Two, Berlin was divided into two major sectors, one controlled by the Soviet Union, and one by the rest of the Allied Forces. Upon the introduction of the Deutsche Mark into West Berlin the Soviets blockaded this part of the city by road, rail and canal in opposition. They offered to re-open routes if the currency would be dropped. This was refused, and led to attempted starvation of the parts of the city controlled by the Allies. This in turn lead to the Berlin Airlift. 

 

 

American and British forces began a joint operation in support of the entire city. Aircrews from the United States Air Force, Royal Air Force, French Air Force, Royal Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African Air Forces flew over 200,000 sorties in one year, providing to the West Berliners necessities such as fuel and food, with the original plan being to lift 3,475 tons of supplies daily. By the spring of 1949, that number was often met twofold, with the peak daily delivery totaling 12,941 tons. By this time the airlift was clearly succeeding, delivering more cargo than had previously been transported into the city by rail. The Soviets did not disrupt the airlift for fear this might lead to open conflict, even though they far outnumbered the allies in Germany and especially Berlin.

Made by the Walter Baier Company, in U.S. occupied Germany these Jeeps are modeled after the infamous Ford Willy MD Jeep.  Each piece is signed "GF Gesch" for the company that made the set, circa 1949. Please note the large Jeep and trailer are sold.  To purchase  the smaller one click below to purchase.