-Dunhill London 1954 F-86 Jet Aircraft Table Desk Lighter In Polished Chrome
F-86 Jet fighter aircraft table lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill.
An unusual table desk lighter made in London England by the renowned Alfred Dunhill Company, between 1954 and 1961. The lighter was done in polished chromed steel, during the Mid-Century Modern period in the likeness of the F-86 fighter jet, which set world speed records some years previously. The lighter is done in a heavy cast metal with a shiny finish and stands on a rounded pedestal plinth. The lighter ignites when the button inside the front intake is pushed, which flips up the canopy to expose the flame within the cockpit area. Felt bottom for scratch free use on desk or table, both Fuel and Flint screws are in place and fully working. This is a must have desk accessory for any aviation or Dunhill enthusiast.
Edition: Made in very low quantities, never mass produced.
Weight: 578.95 Grams, (1.28 Pounds).
Measurements: 83 mm by 161 mm by 149 (3.27 x 6.34 x 5.87 Inches).
Marks: Stamped in high relief with the maker's marK and signed, "DUNHILL MADE IN ENGLAND REG. DES. NO 872899".
The F-86 Sabre, is a North American jet sometimes called the Sabrejet, is a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Produced by North American Aviation, the Sabre is best known as the United States first swept-wing fighter that could counter the swept-wing Soviet MiG-15 in high-speed dogfights in the skies of the Korean War (1950–1953), fighting some of the earliest jet-to-jet battles in history. Considered one of the best and most important fighter aircraft in that war, the F-86 is also rated highly in comparison with fighters of other eras. Although it was developed in the late 1940s and was outdated by the end of the 1950s, the Sabre proved versatile and adaptable and continued as a front-line fighter in numerous air forces. Its success led to an extended production run of more than 7,800 aircraft between 1949 and 1956, in the United States, Japan, and Italy. In addition, 738 carrier-modified versions were purchased by the US Navy as FJ-2s and-3s. Variants were built in Canada and Australia. The Canadair Sabre added another 1,815 aircraft and the significantly redesigned CAC Sabre (sometimes known as the Avon Sabre or CAC CA-27), had a production run of 112. The Sabre is by far the most-produced Western jet fighter, with a total production of all variants at 9,860 units.
Alfred Dunhill 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).
Note: This model has been made in two types of material; polished chromed steel and brushed aluminum like this one.
Note: This piece is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier.
Literature: Blei-Bottoni, Ref:631, Pp-319 Illustrated.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to any parts. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D061623SIAJ/.2221
