My Dutch-born father was in the U.S.counter intelligence(CIC) during WW2, and I found a lighter of his that I have no idea of its history, nor, if it is of any value beyond my family's appreciation. I have searched a lot of militaria antique websites, but I can not find any leads, nor anything similar that might indicate it's history or value. I do know that lighters with particular designs were given to the soldiers as "inspiration". There is a date on it of 1941, and I know that Belgium was occupied by the Nazis at that time. Any help would be appreciated. I have yet to go through my father's notes from his "tours" in Europe during the war, but may be lucky and find some supporting document. Attached are photos of both sides with descriptions, translations, etc. On the bottom of the lighter, there is also a "plate" with hallmarks on either side of a head encircled with "ministere finance" on either side of the head. The head looks female? - (I did not take a photo of the bottom) The first photo shows the side with a bronze or copper-colored, raised "frieze" of two solders' heads with two different flags behind their heads on the bottom of the lighter. Underneath the soldiers' head is written " IL FAUT EN FINIR" (translation is "THIS WILL END"). There are tiny numbers on the bottom left, and two initial to the right of the heads. Also, there is worn away date in center of the panel; it looks to be 193something. The top portion of lighter on this side has another raised, coin-like circle with an emblem of the Belgium "rampant lion" in center - "Belgique" is on both the left and the right of the lion. The second photo is of the flip side. - And, this is what really intrigues me about the lighter. - The bottom portion again has a raised, bronze/ more gold frieze of an eagle(?), atop the swastika. In it's talons? The top portion of this side has another raised "coin" with another different eagle(?), facing in the opposite direction and this time the swastika is encircled into its talons. It is very difficult to decipher the words/letters encircling the eagle, but it is definitely a form of "deutsh" and the "reich". At the bottom is of this coin is 1941. And, all the metals, except for the raised coins seem different. Any information, or ideas as to where I might go to find out more, who be appreciated.
