DUNHILL London Art Deco Green & Black Enamel Desk Lighter in .925 Sterling Silver
Desk butane lighter designed by Dunhill.
This is an exceptional beautiful lift arm butane desk lighter, created in London England by the Alfred Dunhill Company, back in the 1980-1990. This tall desk club-lighter is quite rare and has been designed with art deco patterns showing the patented Dunhill curved lift arm. The entire lighter was crafted in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with high polished finish and embellished with applications of green and black hard enamels. In the 1927, Dunhill launched the lighter named Unique, a revolutionary development resulting in the first lighter to operate with only one hand. This lighter is in perfect working condition and has been tested.
Model: Desk "Club" tall "Sylph" with octagonal base.
Materials: Solid .925/.999 sterling, green and black enamel.
Date: Circa 1980-1990.
Condition: Near mint 9.5/10
Weight: 228.45 Grams, (146.45 Dwt).
Measurements: 103 mm by 47 mm by 30 mm (4.05 x 1.85 x 1.18 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the silver, the five-digits serial numbers and signed in full as follow; "DUNHILL .925 MADE IN ENGLAND 24348"
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. Pp-191-192 several figures for this model in sterling silver Illustrated.
Note: This 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 lighter is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.
Condition: The overall condition of this butane lighter is exceptional. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. The enamel is in perfect shape with no dings or marks. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P092224MAOI/6.772