WWII U.S. Matawan "Wind-Master" Lighter with Black Crackle Finish & Sterling Silver Capt.'s Rank Pin Identified to Capt. Marcella V. Brandyberry

Description

This original WWII U.S. "Wind-Master" lighter was produced by Matawan Lighter Company, Inc. of Matawan, New Jersey. Due to wartime scarcity, Matawan, along with others like Zippo and Berkeley, produced lighters with black crackle finishes (as opposed to pre-war nickel and polished brass). It retains an original, soldered sterling silver captain's rank pin. The insert is engraved "Florence Brandyberry". This lighter was a Christmas present from Brandyberry to her sister, then-Captain Marcella V. Brandyberry, N-0000618. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Brandyberry's life and military service.

Provenance

Private Collection, Mineral Wells, Texas

Condition Report

This lighter is in good, used condition, with much of its original black painted crackle textured finish intact. Interestingly, the flint retaining screw appears to have been replaced, causing the case's bottom to protrude in that area. On the side opposite the captain's pin, the case is dented.

Veteran's Information

Marcella V. Brandyberry was born on February 2, 1914, in Berne, Indiana. On January 2, 1941, Brandyberry joined the Army Nurse Corps as a second lieutenant. She was present during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and tended to the wounded for 96 hours straight. On December 25, 1943, she was promoted to the rank of captain, and received this lighter from her sister, Florence, as a Christmas present. During the war, she served throughout the Pacific and European Theaters of Operation, and was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), Philippine Liberation Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Brandyberry continued her service into the Korean War, eventually attaining the rank of major. Brandyberry died on October 13, 2002, at the age of 88 and is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Made available to the new owner below are Brandyberry's entries in the U.S. Army Registers and newspaper clippings, as well as her obituary and gravesite.

• U.S. Army Registers Entries & Newspaper Clippings
• Obituary & Gravesite