A History of Dunhill Lighters
Dunhill is a pioneering name in lighters. Right from the very
first model in 1923, aptly and confidently named
Unique, Dunhill has been a lighter name synonymous with innovation,
quality and reliability.
THE TWENTIES
The beginning: the prototype Unique was mounted on a Colman's
mustard tin. Two strong Dunhill characteristics in those days were
one-hand operation and first-time lighting, both certainly unique at the
time. All models in the 20s had single wheel action.
THE THIRTIES
Highlight of the early years was another Dunhill break-trough:
a double wheel to reduce the effort needed to make a spark.
In mid 30s came the Tallboy, the first lighter to have the mechanism
concealed. Improved flint action meant less adjustment towards the end
of the flint life.
A component that has remained virtually unchanged to this day
was introduced in the late 30s a new flint action which made screwing
up unnecessary.
This significant advance was introduced on the Handy and Squareboy.
THE FORTIES
For the Second World War Dunhill skills were switched to more
vital hardware. Yet, though severely restricted
lighter manufacture continued. The austere aftermath of war years prevented
any real development in lighter design until 1950.
The
Tinder-Pistol
THE FIFTIES
1950 really marked the end of austerity and marking-time, the
beginning of the post-war development period.
The harsh wheel was replaced by the long roller for effortless operation.
Variation on the Unique theme, the Slim and Sylph,
the Rollalite, London Rollalite and a revised Broadway
all appeared in the
50s and all incorporated the new, easy-on-the-thumb roller.
The mid-fifties were noted for research into a quite new, revolutionary
power source... butane gas.
Developing suitable miniaturized valves was a major problem to overcome
but in 1958 the first Dunhill gas lighter,
the Rollagas and Aldunil, were launched. A new era in lighter
design had begun.
THE SIXTIES
By now the Rollagas was not only established, it was famous.
Further improvements were made to it; the Sylphide and a small,
more compact version of the Aldunil introduced.
The first butane table lighter (Tallboy) was marketed in 1965.
THE SEVENTIES
Extensive development of the Rollagas has taken place
and a generous choice of engine turnings and lacquered finishes made available.
New models for the 70s include the D70, Dress and the Ultimate"S"
lighter, the Wheatsheaf table model and Rulerlite and
Longboy desk models.
THE EIGHTIES
Dunhill introduced the modern "Unique" lighter.
A reproduction of the first "Unique" lighter that was introduced
by Dunhill over 60 years ago.
The modern "Unique" lighter has a butane gas and flint operated
mechanism, and like all Dunhill lighters is precision engineered to the
highest standards.