DUNHILL London 1929 Ball Desk Petrol Lighter In Solid .925 Sterling Silver

Ball desk petrol lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill

This is a rare antique desk liquid-petrol lighter, created in London England by the luxury brand of Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1929. The unusual lighter is the iconic ball shaped model named Unique with the Dunhill lift arm retailed in Paris France. The lighter has been assembled and carefully crafted in the shape of a ball in solid sterling silver with plain surfaces. This lighter show very nice condition with minimal traces of use and beautiful guilloche. Recently cleaned and serviced, not polished just to preserve the antique patina.

History

This classic petrol lift arm lighter model was introduced by Alfred Dunhill in 1929 and remained a very popular piece in the collection until the switch to gas in the 1960. This example is known as the 'Ball' lighter, for obvious reasons. The Ball was launched with a straight lift arm initially in 1928, and then with a curved lift arm in 1929. It was launched in two sizes and came in both sterling and in different carats of solid gold. The fabulous design of this piece allows it to always sit upright on a table, due to its weighted design. It appeared from 1929 up until 1933 in the Dunhill catalogues and was then removed form the offerings.

Weight: 111.75 Grams, (71.65 Dwt).

Measurements: 51 mm by 46.5 mm by 46.5 mm (2.00 x 1.83 x 1.83 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with British marks for the city of London, the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the .925 silver, the Gothic letter O for the year of production 1929 and signed in full, "DUNHILL PAT NO 143572 UNIQUE LIGHTER O AD".

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. Figure-270 Pp-201 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.

Condition: The overall condition of this 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 has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D090824MANM/3.313