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The Dunhill Unique lighter is an icon of sophistication, engineering, and timeless style. Introduced in the early 1920s by Alfred Dunhill and later reimagined in 1985, this luxury lighter gained a reputation for its quality and distinctive design, becoming the preferred choice for discerning smokers and collectors worldwide. Its legacy includes a glamorous cameo in the James Bond franchise.
Alfred Dunhill, known for his innovative approach to men’s accessories, launched the Dunhill Unique in 1927 as the world’s first lighter designed with a single-handed mechanism. This was a significant breakthrough at the time, as most lighters required two hands to operate.
Initially, Dunhill manufactured the Unique in various finishes, from polished chrome to sterling silver and gold, which allowed customers to select a model that best suited their taste.
The Dunhill Unique was reimagined in 1985 as a butane lighter, but kept the iconic lift arm as a heritage. Shown here below is the Dunhill unique as we know it today. This is the shorter female version.
In the 1989 James Bond film Licence to Kill, James Bond (played by Timothy Dalton) receives a Dunhill Unique silver lighter from his friend Felix Leiter and Felix’s wife Della as a wedding gift. Inscribed with “James, Love Always, Della and Felix,” the lighter becomes symbolic throughout the film. Bond uses it to ignite the gasoline-soaked villain, Franz Sanchez, in a climactic scene. This scene underscored the lighter’s timeless appeal and practicality, qualities that have kept it in high regard among fans and collectors alike.
For collectors, the Dunhill Unique holds not only nostalgic value but also a place as a beautifully engineered piece of history. Vintage models are highly sought after, particularly those in pristine condition or crafted from precious materials like silver and gold. Their value increases with rarity, with models from the 1920s and 1930s often commanding the highest prices among enthusiasts. Collectors are drawn to the quality and craftsmanship, as well as the feeling of owning a piece of cultural history.
The Unique also represents Dunhill’s legacy as one of the premier makers of fine smoking accessories. Even today, the Unique’s design has stood the test of time, appealing to both vintage collectors and new enthusiasts who admire its understated elegance. For those looking to own a piece of the past, a Dunhill Unique lighter provides a tangible link to a time when elegance and utility went hand in hand.
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Boutique of vintage luxury lighters since 2020. From Historic relics to precious metals, The Lighterhouse offers a vast and always-changing collection of the most exquisite lighters. We are pleased to help you find your next treasure, here at The Lighterhouse.
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