Buyers premium 25%+vat
A DUNHILL LUCITE 'AQUARIUM' TABLE LIGHTER
Mid-20th Century
With silver-plated arm cast with Dunhill, registration number to the underside, 'REG No. 737418', the front with a silver fish and a further two behind, amidst rockwork, stamped DUNHILL LIGHTER to the underside, 10cm wide; 5cm deep; 8cm high
| Estimate: | £1,000 - £1,500 |
| Hammer price: | £2,200 |
Alfred Dunhill (1872-1956) was a true entrepreneur, as early as 1890 he ran a mail order motoring accessories firm, later expanding to be a tobacconist with a shop in St. James in 1907. He’s ambitions led Dunhill to be recognised as the purveyor of modern luxury with shops in New York, Paris and London by the 1920s. In 1928 Dunhill introduced the petrol lift arm table lighter which was superseded by gas in the 1950’s. Alongside this, he employed Ben Shillingford, who with his technical and creative skills, refined the art of carving and painting Lucite panels to emulate miniature aquariums, all with differing scenes and fish.
Condition Report:
Tarnishing and wear to the metalwork as expected due to age and use. There is a small section on one top corner where the lucite appears to have been slightly miscast and there is a small ridge (photographed where possible). Otherwise in good condition.