DUNHILL Paris 1934 Art Deco Carved Bamboo Petrol Desk Lighter
Bamboo desk lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill
This is a rare antique desk lighter, created in Paris France by the luxury brand of Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1934. The unusual art deco lighter was crafted with carvings of bamboo and parts in 18 karats yellow gold plated. This lighter show very nice condition with decent traces of use. The desk lighter was recently cleaned and serviced, not polished just to preserve the original antique patina.
Weight: 119.40 Grams, (76.54Dwt.).
Measurements: 96 mm by 38 mm by 39 mm (3.78 x 1.51 x 1.55 Inches).
Hallmarks: Signed at the bottom, "DUNHILL PARIS".
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).
Dunhill's Lighter 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.
Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. Figure-587 & 588, Pp-296 for this model 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 it is in working condition.
Condition: The overall condition of this lighter is very god. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage 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: D081524TCEJ/.7756
