Vintage Mao Zedong Cigarette Lighter

This striking red cigarette lighter among a collection of hundreds of vintage lighters at one of our Mesa estate sales. It appeared to have been made as a souvenir or commemorative piece featuring the portrait of Mao Zedong, reflecting a unique period of 20th-century history when everyday objects often carried political imagery. Its bright red finish, gold-tone accents, and portrait remained remarkably eye-catching, making it one of the more memorable pieces we encountered before it found a new home.