This is a sweet little collectors item. It takes the form of a vintage petrol lighter in the form of a little camera.
This novelty was originally made in Occupied Japan in the late 1940s. It comes in its original red card box - it has the name "Photo Flash" in gold on the top of the box.
At first it was available as a wick lighter (filling with petrol as here), but in 1958 the butane version of the lighter was introduced and manufactured till the end of the 1960s. The camera lighter was available with a compass on front (as here) and without which was a cheaper version.
The shutter button works the lighter and it can be locked by using the red button on the front which is marked open - lock. Spare flints can be kept under the large nurled knob on top.
The lighter takes the form of a little camera which sits on a chrome tripod. It also comes with it original camera plunger cable, as seen. It also has a little compass in the front - and a little screw at the top where you would put lighter flints into the lighter. It is both a functional piece and quirky decorative one. It would stand on its screw in tripod. on your tabletop.
I have not put any petrol into it to test if it works. I would expect that it should as it is in excellent condition and looks like it has been kept in the original card box from the day that it was made.
I have taken lots of images for your inspection. My price is reflected in the excellent condition of the camera.
It would be sent to you in a study card box with Royal Mail Tracked Post. This will be applied to your order at the checkout.