S.T. Dupont lighters – especially the iconic Ligne 1 and Ligne 2 models – are prized for their craftsmanship and heritage. Unfortunately, their popularity has led to a surge in convincing counterfeits. In recent years, fake Dupont lighters have become increasingly prevalent, often sold online at a fraction of the price of genuine pieces. These knock-offs can look deceptively similar to the real thing, so it takes a keen eye and knowledge of authentic Dupont features to spot the fakes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to authenticate a Dupont Ligne 1 or Ligne 2 lighter, covering serial numbers, the signature “cling” sound, dimensions, weight, engravings, lacquer quality, and materials. By learning these telltale signs, you can safeguard your investment, avoid inferior counterfeits, and enjoy the true prestige of an authentic S.T. Dupont lighter.
One of the first things to examine on a Dupont lighter is the serial number on the base. Every authentic S.T. Dupont lighter carries a unique serial number on its bottom. In vintage Ligne 1 and Ligne 2 models, these numbers were hand-stamped at the factory, which means they often show slight misalignment or uneven spacing between characters. This imperfection is a good sign – it’s the result of human touch during production. By contrast, most counterfeit Dupont lighters have machine-engraved serial numbers (or laser etched) with perfectly even spacing and alignment. If the digits on the bottom are flawlessly uniform, that’s a red flag that the lighter may be fake. Additionally, examine the content of the serial: collector communities have identified many known fake serial codes. For example, serials beginning with “4FK” (such as 4FK12J8) are notoriously common on fakes. Other suspect prefixes include sequences like 05D, 06D, 1AA, 1GM, 2JN, 2YJ, and more that genuine Dupont lighters would never use. While S.T. Dupont doesn’t publish a public serial database, if your lighter’s serial starts with one of these known combinations, it is virtually guaranteed to be a counterfeit.
Beyond the serial number itself, pay attention to engraved markings and overall stamping quality on the lighter. Authentic Ligne 1 and 2 lighters typically have crisp, finely executed engravings – for instance, “S.T. Dupont – Paris – Made in France” (and *“Lacque de Chine” on lacquer models) – that are cleanly rendered in the correct font. Counterfeit engravings often lack this finesse. Look for rough or shallow lettering, misspellings, or off-center logos. In some documented fakes, the brand logo on the bottom was slightly skewed or the text had uneven depth, betraying inferior workmanship. Also, verify that any material hallmark engravings make sense. For example, if a lighter is marked “Lacque de Chine” (Chinese lacquer), it should indeed have a lacquer finish. If you see a lighter stamped with Lacque de Chine but no actual lacquer in the design, it is undoubtedly a counterfeit. Authentic Dupont lighters that feature Chinese lacquer will showcase a smooth, glass-like lacquer surface, whereas a fake might simply be painted metal without the rich lacquer layer. In short, uneven serial stamping, correct markings, and high engraving quality are all indicators of a genuine piece. Any serial that looks too perfect or engraving that appears sloppy should give you pause.
Above the comparison between fake and authentic S.T. Dupont ligne 2 lighters. On the left is the base of an authentic S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 lighter. Note the clear “S.T. Dupont – Paris – Made in France – Lacque de Chine” engraving and the serial number hand-stamped as 9VJY05. The spacing between characters is slightly irregular – a hallmark of the manual stamping on real vintage Dupont lighters
On the right the base of a counterfeit Dupont Ligne 2 lighter with serial 4FKI2J8. The “S.T. Dupont” logo and text are present but the serial number (highlighted) starts with a known fake code “4FK”. All digits are uniformly aligned, indicating machine engraving. Such precision in serial spacing is a strong warning sign of a fake.
| Ligne 1 (Large) | Ligne 1 (Small) | Ligne 2 (Large) | Ligne 2 (Small) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 58 mm | 2.28 in | 47 mm | 1.85 in | 62 mm | 2.44 in | 56 mm | 2.20 in |
| Width | 35 mm | 1.38 in | 35 mm | 1.38 in | 37 mm | 1.46 in | 37 mm | 1.46 in |
| Thickness | 14 mm | 0.55 in | 14 mm | 0.55 in | 11 mm | 0.43 in | 11 mm | 0.43 in |
| Weight (empty) | ~95 g | 3.35 oz | ~80 g | 2.82 oz | ~100 g | 3.53 oz | ~85 g | 3.00 oz |
Inspect the fuel refill cap — authentic lighters have a colored paint dot inside (red, gold, green, blue) referring to the type of filling valve it has, a detail often missing in counterfeits. These caps are also circulating because they replaced original caps that are missing. So if your filler cap has no paint inside, it doesn’t mean the lighter is fake, but the cap is, by definition, not original.
A hallmark of genuine Ligne 2 lighters is the iconic “ping” sound when opening the lid — the result of precise engineering and tuning by Dupont craftsmen. This distinct chime is unique to authentic models and nearly impossible to replicate in fakes, which often produce a dull click or no sound at all. Ligne 1 models have a softer click but should still feel crisp and well-built. If there’s no clear ping on a supposed Ligne 2, it’s likely not genuine.
S.T. Dupont lighters are known for their Chinese lacquer finishes — smooth, glass-like, and applied in layers by hand. Fakes may imitate this with basic paint, often uneven or dull. Check for the “Lacque de Chine” engraving and ensure it matches the finish. Also, real Duponts are made from brass and precious metal plating, not steel or zinc. A magnet should not stick to the body.
In the world of luxury lighters, knowledge is your best defense against counterfeits. By checking the serial number and engravings, listening for the signature cling sound, verifying dimensions/weight, and scrutinizing material details like lacquer quality, you can spot a fake S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 or Ligne 2 lighter with confidence. The differences may seem subtle, but as we’ve shown, the fakes inevitably fall short on one or more of these points. In the end, nothing compares to the real thing – an authentic Dupont lighter not only looks and feels superior, it also carries the intangible heritage of the brand. For those looking to invest in a vintage Dupont lighter, the safest route is to buy from reputable dealers who specialize in authentic pieces. The Lighterhouse is one such trusted source, offering guaranteed genuine vintage S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 and Ligne 2 lighters that have been vetted for authenticity. By purchasing through The Lighterhouse, collectors and enthusiasts can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their lighter is the real deal – a piece of functional art that will stand the test of time. In a market filled with imitations, we pride ourselves on helping you light up with 100% authentic Dupont lighters. Accept no substitutes, and happy collecting!
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And many thanks to all fellow collectors for fact-checking everything!
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