DUNHILL London 1928 Art Deco Petrol Desk Club Clock Lighter In Solid .925 Sterling Silver

Desk club watch lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill

This rare antique desk lighter was created for the renowned luxury house Alfred Dunhill and retailed through its Paris and London boutiques in 1928. An exceptional example of Dunhill’s celebrated “Unique” model, it features the distinctive curved lift arm and ingenious double flint-wheel ignition mechanism that became characteristic of the firm’s innovative early petrol lighters. The lighter is designed in a tall, elegant Art Deco form and incorporates an especially desirable rectangular mechanical clock seamlessly integrated into the body. The clock features a clear dial with Arabic numerals, transforming this sophisticated smoking accessory into both a functional desk lighter and a refined timepiece. Masterfully manufactured in Switzerland, the case is meticulously crafted in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and decorated throughout with finely executed Art Deco engine-turned barley guilloché. The richly textured decoration contrasts beautifully with the polished surfaces, emphasizing the architectural geometry and elegant vertical proportions of the design.

The combination of precision Swiss engineering, sterling-silver construction, mechanical timekeeping, and Dunhill’s ingenious ignition system makes this an unusually sophisticated example of an early twentieth-century luxury desk accessory. It illustrates the close relationship between mechanical innovation and the streamlined aesthetic of the Art Deco period, while reflecting the exceptional standards associated with Alfred Dunhill’s Paris and London establishments. The lighter remains in excellent condition, showing only minimal traces of careful use and retaining its crisp engine-turned decoration and original character. It was recently gently cleaned and professionally serviced and has intentionally not been highly polished, preserving its desirable antique patina and historical integrity. Elegant, highly functional, and technically intriguing, this exceptional Dunhill desk lighter with integrated clock represents a particularly desirable form of early Art Deco smoking accessory and would make an outstanding addition to a specialized collection of Dunhill lighters, Swiss mechanical objects, or Art Deco design.

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, 1928.

Model: Club Table-desk watch-lighter, with curved lift arm and double wheels type.

Materials: Engine turned barley pattern in .925 sterling silver. 

Reference-Serial: Model-93.

Weight: 201.70 Grams, (129.30 Dwt).

Measurements: H. 104 mm by L. 61 mm by D. 33 mm (4.09 x 2.40 x 1.30 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with import 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 N, for the assay year of 1928, the serial reference number 93 and signed in full, "ALFRED DUNHILL MADE IN SWITZERLAND PAT NO 143752 AD #93 .925".

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-359 Pp-198 for this model in sterling silver Illustrated.

Note: This Dunhill watch-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 desk watch-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: D093026ENNM/5.979