A Dunhill Rollagas from 1979, finished in red lacquer with the gold-plated fittings that frame it on every side. The lacquer sits deep and glossy across the body, with a warmth to the red that comes through wherever the light catches the curve of the case, and the fluted panel along the edge gives the surface something to play against rather than a single flat plane of colour.

The rolling wheel set into the side is what distinguishes this model from most other lighters of its era. Rather than a lever or a button, you turn the knurled roller with a thumb, and the action both strikes the flint and releases the gas in one continuous motion, producing a flame with almost none of the noise associated with flint-wheel lighters. Dunhill developed the Rollagas as a butane lighter at a time when butane itself was still a departure from petrol fuel, and the gas control valve lets the flame be set rather than left to chance, which is part of why the model has kept such a following among people who actually carry and use theirs.

This example comes with its original box and papers, a nice thing to have alongside the lighter itself. No notes were recorded against this particular piece beyond the condition grade, which is good: there is visible wear here from genuine use, the kind that comes from a lighter carried and reached for rather than kept on a shelf, though nothing that has been flagged as affecting how it works. It has been fully serviced in our workshop and is ready to be filled and lit as soon as it arrives.

– Brand: Dunhill
– Model: Rollagas
– Material: Lacquered
– Serial Number:
– Accessories: Original Box & Papers
– Year: 1979
– Condition: Good

Please refer to the “Specifications” tab for detailed dimensions and approximate weight of the lighter.