Description

Novelty Google Eyed Fish

From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this Dunhill Aquarium Half-Giant Table Lighter. The Aquarium Lighter with a Silver Plated body features a lucite aquarium body with novelty swimming fish, one side with a larger fish with googly eyes and the other with two fish both swimming around the ocean floor. The Lighter is embossed to the front Dunhill and bears the registration number to the inside of the pivoting arm and the base of the lighter also stamped Dunhill. The Lighter dates to the middle of the 20th century and the Mid-Century Modern period circa 1950.

Measurements (inches) 3.15 x 3.95 x 2.17

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.

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.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information