Table lighter; Alfred Dunhill (England, 1872- 1959).

Table lighter; ALFRED DUNHILL (England, 1872- 1959).
Aquarium series, 1950s.
Methacrylate and silver metal.
Presents some wear and imperfections caused by the passage of time.
Measurements: 7 x 10 x 5 cm.
Table lighter belonging to the Aquarium series.
Alfred Dunhill an English tobacconist, businessman and inventor. He is the progenitor of Alfred Dunhill, Ltd., a London luxury goods company owned by the Swiss company Richemont, and of the tobacco products company Dunhill, owned by British American Tobacco. In 1907 he opened a small tobacconist's shop on Duke Street in the St James's area. He offered tobacco blends made to measurements for each customer. In 1908 he introduced the first Dunhill cigarette. The tobacconist's shop prospered quickly.
The business expanded and, by 1910, Dunhill had leased new premises in Duke Street- In 1912 he was joined in the business by his younger brother, Herbert, and his eldest son, Alfred, who were followed by his second son, Vernon, in 1913. In 1912 Dunhill introduced the white spot mark on its pipes. The post-war period saw both expansion and the launch of new products. The company always ensured that its products were covered by patents and trademarks, a policy vigorously pursued from the beginning. In the early 1920s, the wholesale and exporting part of the business moved to Notting Hill Gate, close to the pipe and cigarette division located in Campden Hill Road.