DUNHILL Paris 1930 Art Deco Petrol Desk Club Clock Lighter In Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Desk club watch lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill
This rare antique desk lighter was created for the renowned luxury house Alfred Dunhill and retailed through its Paris, France boutique in 1930. An iconic example of Dunhill's celebrated Unique model with the distinctive curved lift arm, the lighter is designed in a tall, elegant Art Deco form and incorporates the firm's ingenious lift-arm and flint-wheel ignition mechanism.
An especially desirable feature of this Club model is the integrated rectangular mechanical clock set into the body, displaying Arabic numerals and transforming the lighter into both a functional desk accessory and a refined timepiece.
Masterfully hand-crafted in Switzerland in solid .925/.999 sterling silver, the case is decorated with finely executed Art Deco engine-turned patterns and finished with a rich polished surface, exemplifying the exceptional craftsmanship and precision engineering for which Alfred Dunhill became internationally renowned. The lighter remains in excellent condition, exhibiting only minimal traces of careful use while retaining its crisp decoration and original character.
Recently cleaned and professionally serviced, it has intentionally not been highly polished in order to preserve its desirable antique patina and historical integrity. Combining innovative engineering, elegant Art Deco design, and superb Swiss craftsmanship, this exceptional Dunhill desk lighter with integrated clock is a highly collectible and functional object, representing one of the most sophisticated luxury accessories produced by the house during the early twentieth century.
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.
Country: London, England; Paris France.
Period: Art-Deco, 1929-1932.
Model: Club Table-desk watch-lighter, with curved lift arm type.
Reference-Serial: Model-32.
Weight: 205.45 Grams, (131.70 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 104 mm by L. 61 mm by D. 33 mm (4.09 x 2.40 x 1.30 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the maker's mark, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925/.999 silver, the serial number 32 and signed in full, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS STERLING FAB SUISSE PAT NO 143752 AD #32 .925".
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-359 Pp-198 for this model in sterling silver Illustrated.
Note: This Dunhill watch-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 desk watch-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: D0071826ENNM/6.091
