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Patented during 1911 in Germany and the United States, Christian Hinkel table lighters use a semi-automatic ferrocerium mechanism. A distinctive early figural design, the Hinkel mechanism resembles public water pumps used over community water wells before indoor plumbing was widespread. These table lighters were manufactured in Berlin, several styles and finish variations were produced. These lighters are sometimes marked 'Ceha'. When pronounced in German, ‘Ceha’ sounds like the founder’s initials, “CH”. Hinkel's initials are usually branded on the ferrocerium screw head. (EB)