Imco Streamline Brass Vintage Gasoline Lighter 6800

• Name: Imco 6800
• Material: Brass / Engraved
• Product Size: 58*31*11 mm
• Product Weight: 38 gram
• Condition: New in original box
• This item will be shipped without fluid
• The item you received is as shown in the picture
• New, never used
• We are selling this item as an authorized Imco Dealer

IMCO (originally Julius Meister & Co., later branded as IMCO) is one of the world’s oldest lighter manufacturers, with roots tracing back to Vienna, Austria in 1907. The company began as a producer of military buttons and hardware but pivoted to cigarette lighters after World War I due to declining demand for buttons. From 1918 onward, IMCO started crafting lighters—initially from surplus cartridge cases—establishing a legacy of durable, reliable, windproof petrol (gasoline) lighters that predate and rival brands like Zippo in design innovation and weather resistance.

The brand gained fame for its rugged, practical engineering, especially during and after World War II, when IMCO lighters were prized for reliability in harsh conditions. The original Austrian production continued until the factory closed in June 2012. Since then, the IMCO name and classic designs have been continued through licensed or reproduction manufacturing (primarily in China), maintaining high quality standards and the iconic mechanics that made the brand legendary.

Key Features & Design Highlights

• Windproof performance — Adjustable sliding storm shield/chimney protects the flame even in strong wind
• Removable fuel insert/tank — Easy refilling; can be removed and used as a mini candle or lamp in emergencies
• Semi-automatic flint-wheel ignition — Thumb-flick lever for reliable spark; simple, controllable flame
• Superior fuel retention — Tight seal minimizes evaporation, so fuel lasts significantly longer than many competitors
• Spare flint & wick storage — Convenient compartment in the base
• Durable & lightweight construction — Primarily stainless steel (rust-resistant); weighs only ~35–40 grams empty
• Classic aesthetic — Clean rectangular shape with “IMCO” branding and often “Design in Austria Since 1918” stamping

Specifications (Modern Reproduction Versions)

• Material — Stainless steel (silver/chrome finish most common; some gunmetal, gold-tone, or colored variants)
• Dimensions — Approx. 62 mm (H) × 27–30 mm (W) × 17–18 mm (D)
• Weight — 35–40 g (empty)
• Fuel — Premium lighter fluid (naphtha/petrol; Zippo fluid compatible)
• Ignition — Replaceable flint wheel
• Flame — Soft, adjustable, highly wind-resistant
• Country of Origin (current) — China (faithful to original Austrian design and quality)

Many users (especially outdoorsmen, campers, and those focused on reliability) call the IMCO objectively superior in function — better fuel economy, wind performance, and versatility. Zippo wins on nostalgia, sound/feel, and sheer cultural presence. If you want a lighter that “just works” longer without babysitting, go IMCO. If you love the classic ritual and look, stick with Zippo.

Differences: Vintage Austrian-Made IMCO vs. Modern Reproductions

• Vintage (pre-2012, Made in Austria): Original tooling from Vienna factory (closed June 2012). Often nickel-plated mild steel (lighter weight), finer finish/art-deco stampings, “MADE IN AUSTRIA” on flint tube. Collectors prize them for authenticity; prices $40–$100+ for NOS (new old stock) on eBay/specialty sites. Slightly better heat resistance in some opinions.
• Modern (post-2012, mostly China): Brand/tooling reportedly acquired (some say by Japanese/Asian interests); faithful reproductions using original designs. Usually stainless steel (more rust-resistant, slightly heavier), same mechanics. Markings may say “From Austria” or have minor font differences. Functionally identical or very close; many users say they’re excellent daily users at $15–$30. Red flags for fakes: no “IMCO” stamp, poor fit/finish, missing patent numbers.

Why Choose IMCO Vintage Lighters?

• More windproof and fuel-efficient than many classic competitors
• Removable tank = huge convenience for refilling and emergency use
• Much lighter than a full-size Zippo while offering similar (often better) weather resistance
• Cult following among collectors, campers, pipe smokers, and EDC enthusiasts
• Affordable quality — a genuine piece of design history at an accessible price

• Pipe smokers often prefer IMCO for easier, safer lighting without tasting fluid.