What would you use this thing for?

[AviatorTom]

Many years ago, these things could be purchased at your local gas (petrol) station, and sometimes one was given away with a purchase of something else.

Do you know what this thing is and what it's used for?

[RobT312]

Huh , that’s really cool. Looks like a lighter... would be incredibly $$$ to make it that way these days.
did they even have Esso in the USA or just Canada?

[AviatorTom]

From Wikipedia: "Standard Oil of New Jersey started marketing its products under the Esso brand in 1926. In 1972, the name Esso was largely replaced in the U. S. by the Exxon brand after the Standard Oil of New Jersey bought Humble Oil, while the Esso name remained widely used elsewhere."

[RobT312]

👍👍interesting, didn’t know that!

[DonkeyDan]

Looks like a windproof petrol lighter. I know you guys don't call it Esso anymore but it's still Esso in the UK.

[DonkeyDan]

Thanks for the MHO 👍🏻

[EmmaMary]

My father in law has just told me that it's a lighter. 🤔

[EmmaMary]

Thank you so much @AviatorTom for the MHGirl.

[erandal]

Looks like a lighter.

[exitseven]

it is a lighter. A little strange looking but it probably is from the 50s.

[Likes2drive]

Just an old lighter from a gas station that has long passed

[Agape93]

That is an old ass lighter lol

[Sparkie460]

It's an old lighter