Service Size Dunhill Aquarium Pocket Lighter

Service Size Dunhill Aquarium Pocket Lighter

A stunning and highly collectible mid-20th century Dunhill Aquarium Pocket Lighter, this rare work of art is a prime example of reverse intaglio craftsmanship in Lucite, capturing the evocative nautical spirit of its era. Exhibiting the elegance and innovation characteristic of Dunhill’s iconic designs, the piece embodies the luxurious style embraced by discerning collectors of vintage metal lighters.

Origin: England
Date: Circa 1950s
Material: Lucite, reverse intaglio, silver plated brass

Dimensions: Height: 8 cm (3.2 in), Width: 6.5 cm (2.6 in), Depth: 4 cm (1.6 in)

Condition: Mounts worn, presenting a charming vintage patina commensurate with age.

The Dunhill Aquarium Lighter series stands as a celebrated chapter in British design history, lauded by collectors and design enthusiasts alike for its originality and artistry. Surviving examples of these larger ‘service size’ lighters are particularly desirable, as they rarely appear on the market and have been exhibited in distinguished museum collections. The blue marine scene rendered within the Lucite case pays tribute to Dunhill’s innovative use of materials and attention to minute detail, setting it apart from more commonplace vintage lighters.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite craftsmanship: Each lighter is individually hand-carved and painted from within, utilising reverse intaglio techniques that create a lifelike underwater tableau of marine life, unique to each piece.
• Design significance: Boasting classic mid-century lines highlighted by the substantial service size form, complemented by elegant silver plated brass detailing, the piece exemplifies both functional design and decorative artistry.
• Collecting value: Exceptionally rare, particularly in this size and with original mounts, making it a prized acquisition for collectors of 20th century vintage metal lighters and Dunhill memorabilia.
• Practical value: Well-suited to either refined display within a curated collection of works of art or for use as a statement piece on a desk or sideboard, this lighter is sure to captivate enthusiasts of marine and nautical themes.

Uniting the allure of Dunhill craftsmanship with a profoundly British aesthetic, the Service Size Dunhill Aquarium Pocket Lighter is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality materials and artistic invention. Its combination of rarity, condition, and vivid design makes it an unmissable opportunity for collectors seeking exceptional vintage pieces.