S.T. Dupont - Ligne 1 Small - Genuine 20μ Gold Plated Vertical Lines (Godron) Pattern - Lighter - Gold plated

A0000005359

We are auctioning off one of the most absolute, aristocratic, and coveted icons of French luxury craftsmanship: the compact-format S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 (Small Model) pocket lighter, handmade in France during the 1970s. This superb collector’s piece stands out in the Maison’s historical catalog for its masterful execution in noble materials: a robust chassis with a sumptuous 20-micron gold bath that completely covers an intricate geometric pattern. A high- couture executive design that exudes opulence, packaging, and classic minimalism.

The lighter’s design embodies the firm’s outstanding aristocratic robustness: its compact dimensions measure a perfect 4.7 cm in height, 3.5 cm in width, and 1.4 cm in thickness, offering a presence, solidity, and a truly sovereign weight in the hand. The front, back, and side panels showcase the sober, elegant vertical lines (Godron), which create subtle, aristocratic golden reflections that catch the light cleanly from any angle. At the base, all official hallmarks of authenticity from the Maison are preserved with absolute clarity and depth, including the technical punch of “20μ” certifying the thickness of its sumptuous period plating, accompanied by its individually hand-engraved serial number 04980, whose slightly irregular alignment is the unequivocal guarantee of its period authenticity.

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

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

Vertical Line Pattern (Godron): It remains in superb condition, preserving the sharpness and depth of its geometric grooves intact, with no wear from friction and no dents that would compromise the continuity of its sumptuous visual texture.

Gold-Plated Case: The 20-micron gold plating retains a radiant shine and an excellent vintage patina, showing only imperceptible, minor signs of age along the profiles. The top cap opens with total firmness and maintains perfect tension in the hinge.

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

Curious Fact for the Collector
For appraisers and experts at Catawiki, the Ligne 1 Small S.T. Dupont lighters with the classic vertical line pattern (Godron) fully gold-plated at 20 microns represent a very solid patrimonial investment, as it is the design that best resists the passage of time and the micro-scratches of daily use. The Small format greatly enhances the piece’s ergonomics, making it a timeless object highly sought after by sibarite smokers and collectors who prioritize classic minimalism over more ornate engravings. The fact that it is 100% operational and produces a very sharp flame ensures intense competition and a truly wild bid-to-value ratio on the international stage.

I wish you all the best of luck with your bids and a wonderful auction to all participants of Catawiki!