Extremely Rare Dunhill Aviary Merganser Lighter

Extremely Rare Dunhill Aviary Merganser Lighter

A striking testament to mid-century British ingenuity, this extremely rare Dunhill Aviary Merganser Lighter seamlessly bridges the worlds of functional design and decorative art. Emerging from the post-war period and crafted in the celebrated Art Deco style, it represents the pinnacle of collectable metal lighters.

Origin: England, Dunhill (designed by Ben Shillingford)
Date: Circa 1955
Material: Lucite (acrylic), metal components

Dimensions: Height 8 cm (3.25 in); Width 10 cm (4 in)

Condition: Pristine lucite clarity with finely preserved carved detail; minimal signs of use commensurate with age.

This exceptional work of art occupies a unique niche within Dunhill’s revered lucite “Aquarium” and Aviary lighter series. Its vividly carved and painted ducks evoke Victorian diorama traditions, echoing displays seen in the Natural History Museum and the Horniman Museum. The Aviary range, particularly rare compared to its aquatic counterparts, reinforced the era’s fascination with the natural world and the post-war transformation of utilitarian materials into objets d’art.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite craftsmanship: Each lighter in the Aviary series was painstakingly hand-carved and delicately painted under the guidance of Ben Shillingford—a technical virtuoso in lucite artistry.
• Distinctive design: The design’s blend of gold and blue hues, nautical themes, and lifelike merganser duck depictions encapsulates the glamour of the Art Deco period, while embodying the scientific curiosity of Victorian Britain.
• Collecting value: With manufacturing ceasing in the 1970s and production limited to Shillingford’s workshop, every Dunhill Aviary Merganser Lighter stands as a highly sought-after rarity—coveted by both lighter and decorative arts collectors.
• Practical value: Its compact scale and refined presence make it ideal for prominent display, a unique furnishing statement, or as a centrepiece of a discerning collection.

Today, the Dunhill Aviary Merganser Lighter is celebrated not only for its historic significance but also for its convergence of art, craftsmanship, and narrative charm. Whether showcased in a private study, an Art Deco interior, or exhibited among vintage metal lighters, this standout piece delights with its intricate details and historical resonance—a fitting reflection of a transformative era in British design.