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

A0000005361

We are putting up for auction one of the most absolute, aristocratic, and coveted icons of French luxury haute craftsmanship: the S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 Small Model pocket lighter, handcrafted in France throughout the 1970s. This superb collectible piece stands out in the Maison’s historic catalog for its masterful execution in noble materials: a robust chassis with a sumptuous 20-micron gold bath that entirely covers a sophisticated geometric pattern, finished at the side with a personalized cartridge bearing the initials "J.G.", hand-engraved after its original acquisition. A high-fashion executive design that exudes opulence, presentation, and classic minimalism.

The design of this lighter embodies the firm’s by-foremost aristocratic sturdiness: its compact format dimensions are a perfect 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 superb. The front, back, and side panels showcase the exquisite Grain d’Orge texture pattern (Barley Grain), an intricate micro-guilloché pattern of high jewelry that produces magnificent golden sparkles and captures light cleanly from any angle. On the base, all official legitimacy stamps of the Maison are preserved with absolute clarity and depth, including the technical punch of "20μ" certifying the thickness of its luxurious vintage plating, accompanied by its individual serial number engraved manually by die B9AE82, whose slightly irregular alignment is the unequivocal guarantee of its period authenticity.

Mechanically, the lighter belongs to the golden age of the firm’s engineering, incorporating the classic system with the lateral ignition roller and the integrated butane gas loading hatch at the base. The piece is in excellent cosmetic condition and fully functional, offering an instant spark to the roller and a bright, clean, powerful, and perfectly stable flame, as certified in the images.

Condition: Collector’s Quality / Excellent Vintage
The aesthetic and mechanical condition of this specimen is magnificent, having been safeguarded with the utmost care in a display case:

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

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

Mechanics: The knurled roller turns with precisely milimetric smoothness and the gas valve is completely hermetic, leak-free, guaranteeing a stable and clean combustion.

The Curious Fact for Collectors
For appraisal experts at Catawiki, S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 Small lighters with the 20-micron gold-plated Grain d’Orge pattern represent a top-tier patrimonial investment because this micro-guilloché is among the silkiest and most pleasant to the touch ever produced by the firm. The Small format greatly enhances the density and elegance of the micro-textures, while the vintage-era personalized cartridge with the letters "J.G." adds an undisputed character of historical exclusivity highly valued in European collecting. Being 100% operational and with a flame as sharp as this ensures intense competition and a truly wild bidding ratio in the international arena.

I wish you the best of luck in your bids and an excellent auction to all Catawiki participants!