S.T. Dupont - Ligne 1 Small - Genuine 20μ Gold Plated Grain d'Orge Pattern & Custom "J.G." Initials - Lighter - Gold-plated

A0000005361

We areauctioning one of the most absolute, aristocratic, and coveted icons of French luxury high-end manufacturing: the compact-format S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 (Small Model) pocket lighter, handcrafted in France during the 1970s. This superb collectible piece stands out in the Maison's historic catalog for its masterful execution in noble materials: a robust chassis covered entirely by a sumptuous 20-micron gold plating that coats a sophisticated geometric pattern, finished on the side with a personalized cartridge bearing the initials "J.G.", hand-engraved after its original purchase. A haute couture executive design that exudes opulence, packaging, and classic minimalism.

The design of this lighter embodies the firm’s quintessential stately robustness: its compact-format dimensions are precisely 4.7 cm in height, 3.5 cm in width, and 1.4 cm in thickness, offering a presence, solidity, and a weight in the hand that are truly sublime. The front, back, and side panels boast the exquisite Grain d’Orge (Barley Grain) textured motif, an intricate micro-guilloché pattern of high jewelry that creates magnificent golden flashes and captures light cleanly from any angle. On the base, all official authenticity marks of the Maison are preserved with absolute clarity and depth, including the technical stamp of "20μ" certifying the thickness of its luxuriant era plating, accompanied by its individual serial number hand-engraved by cupping, B9AE82, whose slightly irregular alignment is the unequivocal guarantee of its period authenticity.

Mechanically, the lighter hails from the brand’s golden age of engineering, incorporating the classic system with the cylindrical ignition wheel on the side and the integrated butane gas loading hatch on the base. The piece is in excellent cosmetic and fully functional condition, delivering an instant spark to the wheel and a live, clean, powerful, and perfectly stable flame, as certified in the images.

Conservation Status: Collection Quality / Excellent Vintage
The aesthetic and mechanical state of this exemplar is magnificent, having been protected with the utmost care in a display case:

Grain d’Orge Pattern: In superb condition, preserving the crispness and ultra-fine relief of its geometric engraving intact, with no flat wear from friction or dents compromising the continuity of its sumptuous visual texture.

Gold-Plated Chassis: The 20-micron gold plating maintains a radiant shine and an excellent vintage patina, showing only light and logical minor marks from use on the edges. The top cover opens with total firmness and retains perfect tension in the hinge.

Mechanical: The serrated roller turns with exact micrometric smoothness and the gas valve is completely hermetic, leak-free, guaranteeing stable and clean combustion.

Curious Fact for the Collector
For Catawiki’s appraisers and experts, the 20-micron gold-plated Grain d’Orge Ligne 1 Small S.T. Dupont lighters represent a top-tier patrimonial investment since this micro-guilloché is among the most velvety and pleasant-to-the-touch textures ever produced by the brand. The Small format greatly enhances the density and elegance of the micro-textures, while the vintage-era cartridge with the letters "J.G." adds an indisputable character of historical exclusivity highly valued in European collecting. The fact that it is 100% operational with a neon-like flame ensures intense competition and a truly savage bidding ratio on the international stage.

Wishing you the best of luck in your bids and a superb auction to all Catawiki participants!