Nicholas Nickleby Ascot 1955 Winner Dunhill ‘Aquarium’ Lighter

An exceptional and rare Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate, the top with raisable arm stamped Dunhill and Reg. No 737418 on the reverse, above the lucite body carved with the thrilling victory Commissioned by the owner of Nicholas Nickleby winner the Royal Hunt Cup, Ascot in June, 1955. The base stamped DUNHILL LIGHTER ‘Made in England’
England, circa 1955

Length: 10 cms (4 ins)

For avid collectors of Dunhill Aquarium Half Giant Lighters, Ascot memorabilia and collectables, this Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate is a rare and exceptional find. The lucite body of the lighter features a thrilling victory scene commissioned by the owner of Nicholas Nickleby, the winner of the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot in June 1955. The top of the lighter has a raisable arm stamped Dunhill and Reg. No 737418 on the reverse.

The Royal Hunt Cup is a flat handicap horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres) and is an important event for horse racing enthusiasts and collectors alike. Established in 1843, the Royal Hunt Cup was originally contested on a right-handed course over 7 furlongs and 166 yards. The inaugural running was won by Knight of the Whistle, with a triple dead-heat for second between Bourra Tomacha, Epaulette, and Garry Owen.

Over the years, the race has undergone some changes. In 1930, the race’s distance was shortened to 7 furlongs and 155 yards, and in 1956, it was extended to its present length of 1 mile. Today, the race is run on a straight course and usually features a large field, making it an exciting and highly competitive event.

As one of three perpetual trophies at the five-day Royal Ascot meeting, the Royal Hunt Cup is highly prized by collectors of Ascot memorabilia and collectables. The other two perpetual trophies are the Gold Cup and the Queen’s Vase, which can be kept permanently by the winning owners. This Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant ‘Aquarium’ Table Lighter in Gold Plate is a unique and valuable piece of Ascot history that would make a great addition to any collection.

The Royal Hunt Cup is currently held on the second day of the five-day Royal Ascot meeting. It is one of three perpetual trophies at the meeting, along with the Gold Cup and the Queen’s Vase, which can be kept permanently by the winning owners.