DUNHILL London 1936 Deco Half-Giant Petrol Desk Lighter In .925 Sterling Silver
Half-Giant desk lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill
This exceedingly rare antique desk lighter was created for the renowned luxury house Alfred Dunhill and retailed exclusively through its London boutique in 1936. An iconic example of Dunhill's celebrated Unique series, this scarce Bijou-Giant (Half-Giant) model features the distinctive curved lift arm and incorporates the firm's ingenious lift-arm and flint-wheel ignition mechanism, a hallmark of Dunhill's innovative engineering during the Art Deco era.
Masterfully hand-crafted in London, England, in very limited quantities, the lighter is fashioned in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and decorated with finely executed engine-turned Barley guilloché patterns, complemented by a rich polished finish. Its elegant proportions, refined decoration, and flawless mechanical design exemplify the exceptional craftsmanship and technical precision for which Alfred Dunhill became internationally renowned.
The lighter remains in outstanding original condition, exhibiting only the most insignificant traces of careful handling while retaining its crisp engine-turning, sharp details, and exceptional overall appearance. It has been recently cleaned and professionally serviced, although intentionally not highly polished in order to preserve its desirable antique patina and historical integrity.
An exceptionally scarce and highly collectible Art Deco object, this Dunhill Bijou-Giant (Half-Giant) Unique lighter represents the perfect fusion of innovative engineering, timeless design, and British luxury craftsmanship. It is one of the finest and most desirable desk lighters produced by Alfred Dunhill during the golden age of twentieth-century luxury accessories.
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, 1936.
Model: Table-desk half-giant lighter curved lift arm type.
Name: "Bijou giant" & "Half giant".
Material: Sterling silver .925.
Finish: Polished and engine turned barley pattern.
Rarity: Unique, most probably a custom-made order,
Weight: 300.2 Grams, (192.44 Dwt).
Measurements: Full lifted H. 112 mm by L. 79 mm by D. 28 mm (4.38 x 3.10 x 1.08 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with British marks, for the city of London, the maker's mark for Alfred Dunhill, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver, the letter A for the production and assay date of 1936 and signed as follows; "AD DUNHILL LIGHTER MADE IN ENGLAND PATENT No 143752 A"
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. Figures-393-394 Pp-212 for this model in sterling silver Illustrated.
Note: This Dunhill desk half-giant 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 half-giant 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 lighter was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D071926TONM/8.901
