DUNHILL PARIS 1938 Art Deco Rare Multi Functional Lighter-Compass-Whistle In .925 Sterling Silver

Multi-functional pocket lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill

This is an extraordinary rarity, a remarkable multi-functional lighter retailed by Alfred Dunhill in Paris, France, and manufactured in London, England, in solid .925 sterling silver with a polished finish.

This highly unusual and ingenious object incorporates three functions into a single compact design: a fully operational petrol lighter, a magnetic compass, and an integrated whistle. The combination of these functions makes this an especially unusual example of the innovative mechanical accessories produced and retailed by Dunhill during the late Art Deco and pre-war period.

The piece is fully signed and bears the appropriate British hallmarks together with French import marks and the distinctive Dunhill French retail marks, confirming its British manufacture and subsequent importation and retailing through the Dunhill establishment in Paris. It is also serially numbered 12 and bears the British date letter C, corresponding to 1938, placing it firmly within the pre-war period.

The lighter is presently in working condition, with all three functions fully operational. The mechanism has been carefully preserved, and the exterior displays the natural signs of age and use expected from an authentic 1930s example. There are no dents, significant scratches, or structural imperfections, while the overall wear is entirely consistent with its age and historical character.

Particularly noteworthy is the extremely low serial number 12. Although it is impossible to establish with certainty that this is the only surviving example, the combination of its three integrated functions, unusually low serial number, complete markings, and exceptional state of preservation makes it a potentially unique or, at the very least, extraordinarily rare Dunhill accessory.

A superb pre-war collector's piece and a remarkable example of Alfred Dunhill's tradition of combining sophisticated engineering, practical functionality, and elegant design into highly distinctive gentleman's accessories. An exceptional rarity with outstanding eye appeal and considerable interest for collectors of Dunhill lighters, mechanical curiosities, and early 20th-century industrial design.

Country: London England; Paris, France.

Period: Late Art-Deco, Pre-War, 1938.

Model: Pocket lighter, featuring a compass and whistle.

Materials: Polished .925 sterling silver. 

Monogram: PMF.

Weight: 59.6 Grams, (38.21 Dwt).

Measurements: H. 72 mm by L. 30 mm by D. 15 mm (2.83 x 1.18 x 0.59 Inches).

Rarity: Extremely rare, probably unique.

Hallmarks: Stamped with British marks, the peasant lion for the city of London, the maker's mark AD, the rectangular stamped-mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver, the Latin-letter code C for the assay year of 1938, The Alfred Dunhill mark for the French Parisian market, three times with the French tax marks, the production serial number 12 and signed in full as follows, "AD FABRICATION ANGLAISE DUNHILL PARIS 12 C".

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).

Note: This Dunhill multi purpose 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 multipurpose 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: D100526MONT/1.766