Dunhill Aquarium Table Lighter – Freshwater Scene in Green
This exemplary Dunhill Aquarium table lighter, featuring a vibrant freshwater scene in green, encapsulates the charm of mid-20th-century British design. Evoking both rarity and artistic accomplishment, the lighter is a showcase of the innovative techniques and luxury taste that distinguished England in the 1950s.
Origin: England
Date: Circa 1950
Material: Lucite, reverse intaglio, silver-plated brass
Dimensions: Height 8 cm (3.15 in.), Width 10 cm (3.94 in.), Depth 5 cm (1.96 in.)
Condition: Mint condition
Created at the height of Dunhill’s prominence, this aquarium table lighter is renowned for its highly skilled reverse intaglio work. Comparable examples reside in important collections and are celebrated for their distinctive blend of form and function, seamlessly aligning with other works of decorative art from the post-war era. Collectors prize these lighters not only for their technical excellence but also for their evocative, playful representations of the aquatic world.
Notable Features:
- Expert Craftsmanship: The Lucite panels boast intricately carved and painted marine life, rendered through painstaking reverse intaglio – a celebrated method pioneered by the finest artisans of the period.
- Design Significance: The green freshwater motif, framed by silver-plated brass, exemplifies the subtle opulence and originality for which Dunhill is known. Its gently rounded form recalls mid-century modern tendencies, while its clarity and line reflect a uniquely British vision.
- Collecting Value: Exceptionally rare in this mint condition, the piece stands out for both its scarcity and its desirability among collectors of 20th-century objects and nautical-themed vintage décor.
- Practical Value: Both a functional work of art and a striking decorative item, this Dunhill Aquarium table lighter brings sophistication to any collection, cabinet, or coffee table display.
As a quintessential example of vintage British metal lighters, the Dunhill Aquarium table lighter with its green freshwater scene offers exceptional opportunity for both seasoned collectors and discerning aficionados seeking a touch of marine-inspired luxury.
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