The Dunhill Rollagas lighter is a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, and, unfortunately, with its iconic status comes the presence of counterfeits in the market. Whether you are a collector or simply someone who admires the beauty of these lighters, it’s essential to know how to differentiate a genuine Dunhill Rollagas from a fake. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for if you’re sporting a fake Rollagas – or simply suspect you’ve encountered one.
| Rollagas | Rollagas Mini | |
| Length | 64 mm | 2½ inches | 50 mm | 2 inches |
| Depth | 24 mm | ½ inch | 24 mm | ½ inch |
| Width | 13 mm | 7/8 inch | 13 mm | 7/8 inch |
| Weight | Around 75g (2.6 oz) | Around 68g (2.4 oz) |
On a genuine Rollagas, the thumb roller is 1 inch long and positioned about 1 inch from the bottom of the lighter. The top of the roller should always be a quarter of an inch below the lid. If the roller is directly beneath the lid or too small, your lighter is likely a counterfeit
The hinge design on the Rollagas is an important indicator:
Early models (pre-1970) used a barrel hinge.
From 1971 onwards, concealed hinges were used, which feature three ‘down’ prongs and two ‘up’ prongs.
If the hinge doesn’t match this pattern, it’s a strong indication that the lighter is not authentic.
The Rollagas has a unique internal mechanism. Early models featured a shielded flint housing. The striker wheel and flint housing were partly encased. Later models (after the late 1970s) had an open design. If your lighter’s internal parts don’t match these descriptions, it’s likely a fake.
The gas inlet on a genuine Rollagas is always in the center of the bottom of the lighter. The gas control valve, marked by a keyhole shape, is located in one corner. If these parts are misaligned or in a different position, the lighter is a counterfeit.
A genuine Rollagas features a well-fitting filler cap, which opens and closes smoothly. Fakes often have poorly constructed caps that don’t align correctly or are difficult to operate.
Authentic Rollagas lighters have clear, high-quality engravings, including:
“Swiss Made” on the base.
The patent number (e.g., USRE24163) stamped on the base or other locations.
Counterfeit lighters often have poor-quality engravings or incorrect patent numbers, which are a clear giveaway.
By carefully inspecting the lighter’s dimensions, thumb roller, hinge design, internal mechanics, and engravings, you can easily determine if you have a counterfeit on your hands. Always buy from reputable sellers and know the key features to look out for to ensure you’re getting authentic Dunhill Rollagas.
At The Lighterhouse, we pride ourselves on offering only 100% authentic lighters, guaranteed. You can shop with confidence knowing that every item we sell is verified for authenticity.
Sources:
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