DUNHILL 1940 French ERLAC License Paris Semi Automatic Pocket Petrol Lighter
Alfred Dunhill Paris Petrol lighter licensed by ERLAC.
This is a very rare petrol pocket lighter designed by ERLAC to be retailed at the Alfred Dunhill Company store in Paris France. This unusual lighter was designed around the 1940's during the late Art Deco period and crafted with geometric patterns in solid silver plated with high polished finish. Feature an extremely complicated semi-automatic mechanism since the ignition roller has the dual function as a pusher to activate and open the spring in the lid. As a note, in 1927, Dunhill launched the lighter named Unique, a revolutionary development resulting in the first lighter to operate with only one hand.
Country: Paris France.
Period: Late art-deco, post war, mid-century, 1940-1943.
Style model: Semi automatic Erlac roller.
Weight: 52.60 Grams, (33.75 Dwt).
Measurements: 50 mm by 42 mm x 15 mm (1.97 x 1.65 x 0.60 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follows, "DUNHILL PARIS LICENCE ERLAC BREVET No. 518687"
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. Page 275, illustration-547-548; Dr. Richard-Frederic Dumont, Le Briquet Française. De Bore France 2014. Page-65. For this exact model illustrated in different sizes.
Note: This Dunhill Erlac 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.
Collateral: This Dunhill Erlac lighter is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this Dunhill Erlac petrol lighter is great. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver. All parts are in good shape and functioning. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P090225BIEM/.6218
