DUNHILL 1929 Ball Petrol Desk Lighter In Solid .925 Sterling Silver With Guilloche
Ball desk lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill
This rare antique desk lighter was created by the renowned luxury house Alfred Dunhill in London, England, in 1929 and retailed through its Paris boutique. An iconic example of Dunhill's celebrated Unique model, the lighter is designed in the distinctive spherical form and features the firm's ingenious lift-arm ignition mechanism.
Masterfully crafted in solid sterling silver, the body is richly decorated with finely executed engine-turned guilloché in the elegant Barley pattern, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship for which Dunhill became internationally renowned. The lighter remains in excellent condition, displaying only light traces of careful use while retaining its crisp guilloché decoration and desirable original patina.
Recently cleaned and professionally serviced, it has intentionally not been highly polished in order to preserve its antique character and historical integrity. A highly collectible and functional Art Deco object, this exceptional Dunhill lighter represents the perfect combination of innovative engineering, timeless design, and British luxury craftsmanship.
History
This classic petrol lift arm lighter model was introduced by Alfred Dunhill in 1929 and remained a very popular piece in the collection until the switch to gas in the 1960. This example is known as the 'Ball' lighter, for obvious reasons. The Ball was launched with a straight lift arm initially in 1928, and then with a curved lift arm in 1929. It was launched in two sizes and came in both sterling and in different carats of solid gold. The fabulous design of this piece allows it to always sit upright on a table, due to its weighted design. It appeared from 1929 up until 1933 in the Dunhill catalogues and was then removed form the offerings.
Country: London, England.
Period: Art-Deco, 1929.
Model: Table desk ball petrol lighter.
Weight: 108.7 Grams, (69.70 Dwt).
Measurements: 51 mm by 46.5 mm by 46.5 mm (2.00 x 1.83 x 1.83 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with British marks for the city of London, the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver, the Gothic letter O for the year of assay-production 1929 and signed in full, "DUNHILL PAT NO 143572 UNIQUE LIGHTER O AD".
Alfred Dunhill
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-370 Pp-201 for this model in sterling silver Illustrated.
Note: This Dunhill 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 lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition.
Condition: The overall condition of this Dunhill lighter is excellent. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver and is in working-display condition. All parts are secured in the settings. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D071727MREM/3.222
