Dunhill Sterling Silver Lighter Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Early 20th Century (Art Deco period)
This object is a mechanical lighter clock produced by the brand Dunhill. It consists of a table lighter crafted from sterling silver, with an integrated small clock embedded within its body.
The exterior of the lighter features longitudinal grooves and engraving. A mechanical clock is set into the center of the body, which is accessible via a hinged cover. The clock face is light-colored, specifically white or cream, and displays Arabic numerals, a railway minute track, and thin, classic-style hands. The dial is signed with the name Dunhill and the word Swiss, indicating that the movement was manufactured in Switzerland.
The lower edge of the body includes a small dial or wheel for adjusting or winding the timepiece. As a vintage item, the silver body exhibits natural patina consistent with age. Precise details regarding the caliber of the internal movement or the specific production date are not documented.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Lighter clock
- Maker
- Dunhill
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Features
- Arabic numerals
- Material
- Sterling Silver
- Decoration
- Grooved patterns
- Construction
- Hinged access
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial Inscriptions
- Dunhill and Swiss
- Maker / attribution
- Dunhill
Design
- Visible features
- • Integrated analog clock face with Arabic numerals • Sterling silver body with vertical fluting • Hinged access cover for clock mechanism • Winding or setting crown located at the base of the clock housing
- Dial and Movement
- The clock features a cream or white-colored dial positioned within the central portion of the lighter body. The dial is marked with prominent Arabic numerals and features a railway-style minute track around the periphery. The time is indicated by thin, classic-style hands. The presence of the word 'Swiss' at the bottom of the dial identifies the origin of the movement. The movement itself is integrated into the lighter assembly. A wheel or crown located at the base of the clock assembly provides the interface for winding or setting the time. Technical details regarding the movement caliber or specific mechanical construction are not provided in the source documentation, which notes that such information is unrecorded.
- Provenance and Condition
- The piece is categorized as a vintage item. The auction description notes that the exterior surface possesses a natural patina resulting from the passage of time, accompanied by visible signs of use. No statements are made regarding the functionality or the servicing history of either the internal clock movement or the lighter's ignition system. The source emphasizes that these details are documented based on the information and images provided by the seller.
- Design and Case Construction
- The lighter clock is housed within a sterling silver body characterized by its longitudinal grooves and engraved decorative patterns. The design incorporates a central section where the small clock is mounted, protected by a hinged cover that allows for access to the rear of the clock or the internal housing. This arrangement serves to integrate both the ignition mechanism of the lighter and the timepiece into a single unit. The aesthetic follows a geometric form, with the silver surface showing signs of oxidation or patina due to age. The physical dimensions and the layout reflect an intended use as a desk or table accessory, combining utility with decorative metalwork. The integration of the clock into the lighter body necessitated specific engineering considerations for the placement of the ignition system and the timekeeping mechanism within a compact frame.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The operational status of the lighter mechanism is not specified
- Research required: The mechanical condition and maintenance history of the movement are unconfirmed