DUNHILL PARIS 1952 Aldunil Gas Pocket Lighter In 18kt Gold Vermeil .800 Silver
Aldunil gas lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill
This is a very rare pocket gas lighter, created in France for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1952. This semi-automatic lighter is the iconic and popular Aldunil model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid .800/.999 sterling silver with 18 karats yellow gold vermeil. All with high polished finish and substantial weight. The very early Aldunil Dunhill lighter is highly collectible and is decorated with diagonal undulates ribbed lines.
Model: ALDUNIL.
First Produced: 1952.
Material: .800 Sterling silver with 18 karats yellow gold.
Weight: 86.20 Grams, (55.28 Dwt).
Measurements: 60 mm by 23 mm by 12 mm (2.36 x 0.91 x 0.47 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks: the maker's mark, three times with the mark of the Crab for the assay of the .800 silver, the Parisian maker's mark and signed in full, "DUNHILL PARIS.".
He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks).
Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. Figure-571 Pp-284 for illustrations of this model in silver and gold.
Note: This Aldunil pocket lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper butane gas. Was tested and is in working condition.
Condition: The overall condition of this lighter is good to very good. Beside the little normal wear all parts are secured in the setting and in working condition. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D082224SCEG/2.235
