A Cartier Les Must from the 1970s in gold plated finish, its case carrying the fine ribbed godron pattern that runs the length of the body from end to end. The narrow lines catch the light differently depending on the angle, giving the case a texture you feel as much as see, and the oval cross-section sits neatly in the hand rather than the round barrel shape of most lighters of the period.

The mechanism sits under a hood at the top of the case: a retractable striking wheel that stays hidden until you need it, rather than being left exposed on the body. It is a quieter piece of engineering than it looks, and it is the reason the Les Must is remembered as more than a piece of jewellery that happens to make fire. Cartier built the model into the founding object of the Les Must de Cartier line, the first everyday object of this kind to be accepted as luxury in its own right rather than simply expensive, and the plated versions such as this one were the ones that put the design into wide circulation through specialist tobacconists rather than the jewellery counter.

This one shows genuine wear from being carried and used, which is exactly what a lighter like this was for. The godron pattern is still crisp and the case holds its shape well, though the surface bears the marks of real handling rather than a shelf life, and the photographs are worth a close look before you buy. It comes without its original box or papers. It has been serviced in our workshop and is ready to fill and use, so whatever years it has ahead of it start now.

– Brand: Cartier
– Model: Les Must
– Material: Gold Plated
– Serial Number: 09503D
– Accessories: No Box & Papers
– Year: 1970s
– Condition: Good

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