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From my great grandfather's personal lighter collection, here's an exceptionally rare piece of Cold War intelligence history. ⭐ This vintage "Rafu" brand lighter (Tokyo, Japan) is engraved "NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY" with the official Department of Defense seal, and dated "1958-1959" on the reverse with a puzzle-style letter grid highlighting "NSA" and "PAC" — likely referencing an NSA Pacific field element.
The NSA was founded in 1952 and operated under such deep secrecy for decades that it was informally called "No Such Agency" — the government didn't even officially acknowledge its existence until years later. A personalized lighter openly naming the agency, dated this early in its history, is a genuinely uncommon survivor.
⭐ Engraved "National Security Agency" with the official DoD seal
🧩 Unique dated puzzle-grid design (1958-1959) highlighting "NSA" and "PAC"
🔥 "Rafu, Tokyo Japan" stamped on the base
🔐 An exceptionally rare, early-era NSA collectible — this agency's memorabilia from its first decade rarely surfaces
No paperwork or provenance documentation accompanies this piece beyond family history — everything known comes from the engraving itself. Light surface wear consistent with genuine age; untested for working function, sold as a collectible/display piece.
An outstanding find for Cold War intelligence collectors, NSA/INSCOM historians, or serious militaria and government agency collectors — pieces this early and this specific rarely come up for sale.
Available for pickup in 27606, very close to Raleigh Fire Station 8
