Got this item a couple months ago now and kind of forgot about it. Put it on my desk a week or so ago and it’s still a mystery. I thought maybe it was a lighter or something when I first got it. The top cylinder seems like it does something. I just don’t want to break it pushing, pulling, or twisting it too hard without knowing how it’s supposed to move. The makers mark looks kind of like a lion on an M that’s been rotated 90 degrees. Anyone recognize the item or the mark?
looks like if you'd pull the top off....there would be a torch underneath... can you smell any oil..or parafin..?
Some context: Erhard & Söhne was founded in 1844 by Gottlieb Erhard and his two sons in Schwäbisch Gmünd, about 50km east of Stuttgart in Baden-Wutttemberg, Germany. During the company's life, they made a variety of products including haberdashery also silver plated or gold plated brass and bronze, dollshouse accessories and toys.