DUNHILL London 1928 Enamel Nautical Flags Petrol Club Desk Lighter In Sterling

A rare desk CLUB lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill

This is an exceptionally rare Art Deco Dunhill “Club” desk petrol lighter, manufactured in Switzerland for the British market and retailed through the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Company stores in London and Paris. This unusual and highly decorative petrol lighter was designed circa 1924, during the early Art Deco period, and is distinguished by its sophisticated geometric architecture and nautical-inspired decoration. The case is masterfully crafted in solid sterling silver .925/.999 and embellished with a remarkable arrangement of 27 different nautical signal flags, each rendered in colorful hard-glass enamel. The combination of geometric silverwork and vivid maritime motifs gives this lighter an exceptionally distinctive and highly collectible appearance. The “Club” model represents an interesting early chapter in the development of Dunhill’s celebrated table and desk lighters. A few years later, in 1927, Alfred Dunhill introduced the revolutionary “Unique” lighter, regarded as a landmark in lighter design for its innovative one-handed operation. The present “Club” lighter is particularly appealing to collectors because of its rarity, unusual nautical decoration, early Art Deco design, and association with the Alfred Dunhill Company. It is a striking conversation piece and a desirable addition to any serious collection of Dunhill and Art Deco lighters. The lighter is preserved in excellent original condition and is fully functional.

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).

Country: London, England.

Period: Art-deco, 1930.

Model: Club desk.

Materials: Sterling silver and color hard-glass enamel.

System: Straight lift arm.

Featuring: Nautical flags.

Weight: 154.3 Grams, (98.95 Dwt).

Measurements: H. 144.8 mm by L. 44.5 mm x D. 13 mm (5.70 x 1.75 x 0.51 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with British marks for the city of London, the mark for the assay and warranty of the silver and signed as follows; "DUNHILL UNIQUE LIGHTER MADE IN SWITZERLAND STERLING"

Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. for several variant-models Illustrated.

Note: This Dunhill Club tall desk 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 Club desk 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: D092226CAEN/4.574