Alfred Dunhill - Cigarette case - Metal, Tortoiseshell

Auction Fact Sheet: Alfred Dunhill Mouthpiece Set (c. 1930)
Lot Title: Exceptional Alfred Dunhill Art Deco Set - Gold Filled and Tortoiseshell - Original Duke St. Case
1. General Description
Collector’s lot consisting of a double-mouthpiece set for cigarettes by the legendary London firm Alfred Dunhill. This ensemble stands out for its immaculate Art Deco aesthetics and its provenance from the brand’s historic headquarters on Duke Street, St. James’s, London.
2. Technical Specifications and Materials
* Metal Fittings: Made in high-quality Gold Filled (laminated gold) with a British-era technique that guarantees durable gold coating and superior shine.
* Mouthpiece Bodies: Crafted in genuine tortoiseshell (or period resin with tortoiseshell effect), a material highly valued for its light weight and organic grain.
* Dimensions:
* Leather case: 9 × 6 cm.
* Metal components: 3.5 cm and 2.5 cm respectively.
* Tortoiseshell extensions: 6 cm.
* Weights:
* Total weight of the set: 28 grams.
* Weight of the metal pieces: 3 grams (precision light manufacturing).
3. Authenticity and Dating
* Manufacturer Marks: Incorporates the official “AD” punch (Alfred Dunhill) in a diamond shape, house authenticity seal.
* Quality Inscriptions: The pieces feature side engravings certifying the gold finish and English manufacture.
* Historical Record: The original case bears the design number RD NO 804239 printed on the reverse, allowing precise dating of the piece to the 1930s.
4. Condition
The set is in excellent condition for its age. The brown leather case retains its gold-leaf engravings, and the inner silk lining is intact and legible. One metal mouthpiece remains mechanically attached to its tortoiseshell section, preserving the original factory fit.
Note for the Catawiki Expert:
This lot is of special interest to Luxury Tobacco and Dunhill Heritage collectors. As a double set (travel/galas) with a documented Duke Street case, its historical value surpasses that of individual pieces usually seen on the market.