Can anyone help me find information about this lighter?
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I’m guessing that, unless there’s some sort of mechanism inside, this is a vesta case (match case), rather than a lighter. HJ & Co probably refers to Howell James & Co, in business from 1819 to 1911.
If it’s truly “hallmarked silver,” there should be (tiny) hallmarks somewhere on it, perhaps inside. That would include a mark for the assay office, a lion-passant indicating that it’s sterling, and a date letter. Probably a monarch’s profile, as well. That would really pin it down.
I am a bit dubious about it being originally a vesta case as there is no grid to strike the matches on the bottom. I am also very suspicious about “hallmarked silver” and wonder where it might have originated. Doobz, can you tell us where it came from please.
Phil
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I thought the striker might be on the side. It’s pretty mysterious. The form looks like a modern Zippo (invented in 1933, and with a jealously-guarded patent), and while there are sterling silver versions of that lighter, they all say the same thing on the bottom: “ZIPPO. STERLING.”
This “hallmarked silver” marking is a bit like an oil painting that’s signed, The Real Rembrandt! Doesn’t inspire confidence. 
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