Dunhill Half Giant Aquarium Table Lighter

Description

This Dunhill Half Giant Aquarium Table Lighter dates to the mid twentieth century, circa 1950.

The lighter is formed with a gold plated body and incorporates a lucite reservoir decorated with an aquarium scene. The larger sides display fish in motion with one larger fish to one side and three smaller fish to the other, while the smaller sides are detailed with aquatic plants and rock formations.

The operating arm is embossed Dunhill and registered No. 737418, with further marking to the base.

Aquarium lighters of this type were produced during the mid century period and are recognised for their use of lucite combined with detailed internal decoration.

The Alfred Dunhill Aquarium Lighter is in fully working order, it will need lighter fuel to run consistently which can be obtained by most supermarkets.

Please examine the images to note the condition of the lighter around the top rim of the lucite and to one side.

View the full Accessories Collection.

Measurements

 7.75 high x 10cm Wide x 5.5cm Deep (3 x 3.94 x 2.17 Inches) 

What are Dunhill Lighters?

Specifically the classic petrol lift arm table lighter was introduced by Dunhill in 1928 running until the introduction of gas in the 1960’s. In the 1950s, Ben Shillingford worked for Dunhill, perfecting the art of carving and painting lucite panels to resemble miniature aquariums. We see today’s finished products here, with some beautifully unique designs making them highly collected.

For further information see our Article Dunhill Aquarium Lighters: History, Ben Shillingford and Collecting Guide.

Who is Dunhill?

Alfred Dunhill was Born September 30th 1872. From 1890 Dunhill ran a company that sold motoring accessories through mail order under the name Dunhill’s Motorities. In 1902 he opened a shop on Conduit Street, Mayfair which sold clothing and accessories to chauffeurs and their employers. In 1904 he developed the “windshield pipe”, which would allow motorists to smoke whilst driving, and went on to open a tobacconist in St. James in 1907. The shop offered tailored tobacco blends and its success meant that Dunhill could expand to shops in New York and Paris in the 1920’s. With his international ambitions, Dunhill created a modern luxury goods market. In 1921 the company received its first royal warrant, as a tobacconist to Edward Prince of Wales. Dunhill also supplied Winston Churchill and Siegfried Sassoon. In 1924 Dunhill launched the “Unique Lighter” which was the world’s first lighter that could be operated with one hand. Dunhill passed the chairmanship of the company to his son Alfred Henry in 1928.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Alfred Dunhill.

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Additional information