Ronson flints

I can't find any more Ronson lighters in the house; I suppose they were thrown away a very long time ago. But back in the days when my father was a heavy smoker, Ronson lighters were somewhat of a status symbol. You need a light for your ciggy? Out comes the lighter then, and with a flick of the thumb, the lighter cap springs opens and a brief spark ignites the butane gas. The consumables were the compressed butane fluid which is filled into the lighter and the Ronson flint. 

Just two days ago as part of the annual spring cleaning ritual of the house, I came across a used pack of flints. Among the remnants were only two miniscule red pieces, together with a small brush which I suppose was used to maintain the lighter's appearance. The rediscovery of these artifacts triggered a flood of memories, remembering how my father's ritual of lighting a cigarette was elevated to an art form with the Ronson lighter at its centre.