Images(6)

Lighter

Object number2019.33.3 a-e

Manufacturer Minix

Date1970-1979

OriginJapan

MediumMetal; Fabric; Paperboard; Paper; Ink; Adhesive

Credit LineGift of Carmine Bellini

DescriptionGold-tone reusable metal miniature lighter with original box and instruction sheet.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a - Closed): 1.375 × 0.938 × 0.313 in. (3.5 × 2.4 × 0.8 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (a - Open): 1.25 × 1.875 × 0.313 in. (3.2 × 4.8 × 0.8 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (a-c together): 2.375 × 2 × 0.5 in. (6 × 5.1 × 1.3 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (b): 2.375 × 2 × 0.438 in. (6 × 5.1 × 1.1 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (c): 2.25 × 1.938 × 0.375 in. (5.7 × 4.9 × 1 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (d): 2.125 × 1.875 × 0.25 in. (5.4 × 4.8 × 0.6 cm)
Height x Width (e): 2.063 × 2.875 in. (5.2 × 7.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Engraved text on one side "THE LIVING ROOM / PGH. 28. PA."
Marks(a)
Engraved text on underside "MINIX" and "JAPAN".

(c)
Underside has gold text in one corner "JAPAN".

(e)
One side has printed black text including "Lifetime / Guarantee / There will be no charge for mechanical / repair if necessary, at any time during / the life of your lighter, regardless of / age. ... / P.O. Box #232 South Station / Yonkers, N. Y."

One side has printed black text including "INSTRUCTIONS / TO REFUEL:... / ... / TO CHANGE FLINTS: ... / ..."
Historical NotesAnthony "Tony" Grosso was a numbers runner who operated an illegal lottery in Pittsburgh. He was convicted of racketeering in 1973, and served 28 months in jail; in the 1970s, he was investigated by the FBI and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison in 1986. This lighter is from The Living Room, a restaurant owned by Grosso's wife, Angela. It was known for its nightlife and was a regular hang out for Tony, as well as members of Pittsburgh's media.

Previous owner Anthony Grosso

Related institution Federal Bureau of Investigation (founded 1908)

Related person Angela Grosso

Related institution The Living Room

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