CARTIER DUNHILL 1928 Enamel Bridge Game Petrol Club Desk Lighter In Sterling
A rare desk CARTIER CLUB lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill
This is an exceptionally rare Art Deco Alfred Dunhill “Club” desk petrol lighter, manufactured in Switzerland for Cartier and retailed through the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Company stores in London and Paris. This unusual and highly decorative lighter was designed circa 1924, during the early Art Deco period, and is distinguished by its sophisticated geometric architecture and distinctive Bridge Game decoration. The case is masterfully crafted in solid sterling silver .925/.999 and is decorated with the rules of the Bridge card game executed in contrasting black and red lacquer, creating a striking graphic composition characteristic of the geometric aesthetics of the period. The lighter is signed Cartier and bears the serial number 5287, together with the appropriate Dunhill workshop marks, providing an important connection between Cartier, Alfred Dunhill, and the Swiss manufacture of this exceptional piece.
The combination of geometric silverwork, lacquer decoration, and the unusual Bridge Game theme gives this lighter an exceptionally distinctive and highly collectible character. Its sophisticated design reflects the fascination with fashionable leisure pursuits and graphic ornamentation that became an important part of Art Deco decorative arts during the 1920s. The “Club” model represents an interesting early chapter in the development of Alfred Dunhill’s celebrated desk and table lighters. Only a few years later, in 1927, Dunhill introduced the revolutionary “Unique” lighter, an important milestone in lighter design for its innovative one-handed operation. The present example is particularly appealing to collectors because of its rarity, unusual Bridge Game decoration, early Art Deco design, sterling-silver construction, Cartier signature, and association with the Alfred Dunhill Company. It is an exceptional conversation piece and a highly desirable addition to a serious collection of Dunhill, Cartier, 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, 1927-32.
Manufacturer: La Nacional, Swiss.
Retailer: Cartier Paris-London-New York.
Model: Cartier Unique Sport-Club desk.
Materials: Sterling silver, black and red lacquer.
System: Straight lift arm, with wind-guard.
Featuring: Bridge Game Rules.
Weight: 136.60 Grams, (87.60 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 144.8 mm by L. 44.5 mm x D. 16 mm (5.70 x 1.75 x 0.63 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; "CARTIER STERLING 5287 / DUNHILL UNIQUE-SPORT LIGHTER MADE IN SWITZERLAND STERLING OTHER PATENTS PEND."
Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. for several variant-models Illustrated.
Note: This CARTIER-Dunhill Sport-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 CARTIER-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: D092226ENNR/4.049
