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

A0000005361

We put up for auction one of the most absolute, aristocratic and coveted icons of French luxury high-end craftsmanship: the S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 Small Model pocket lighter, crafted by hand in France throughout the 1970s. This superb collectible piece stands out in the Maison’s historical catalog for its magistral execution in noble materials: a robust chassis with a sumptuous 20-micron gold bath that completely covers an intricate geometric pattern, finished on the side with an elegant custom cartridge bearing the initials "J.G.", hand-engraved after its original purchase. A high-fashion executive design that exudes opulence, packaging and classic minimalism.

The design of this lighter embodies the firm’s colossal sovereign robustness: its compact format dimensions are perfect at 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 motif (Barley Grain), an intricate micro-guilloché pattern of high jewelry that generates magnificent golden glints and captures light cleanly from every angle. On the base are preserved with absolute clarity and depth all the Maison’s official legitimacy markings, including the technical stamp of "20μ" certifying the thickness of its sumptuous period plating, accompanied by its individual serial number hand-engraved by the die B9AE82, whose slightly irregular alignment is the unmistakable 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 roller ignition and the integrated butane gas loading hatch at the base. The piece is in an excellent cosmetic and fully functional condition, offering an instant spark to the roller and a vivid, clean, powerful and perfectly stable flame, as certified in the images.

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

Grain d’Orge Pattern: It is in superb condition, preserving the sharpness and ultra-fine relief of its geometric engraving intact, with no flat wear from friction or dents that would 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 profiles. The top cover opens with total firmness and retains perfect tension in the hinge.

Mechanics: The ribbed roller turns with millimetric smoothness and the gas valve is fully hermetic, leak-free, guaranteeing a stable and clean combustion.

The Curious Fact for the Collector
For appraisers and experts on Catawiki, the Ligne 1 Small S.T. Dupont lighters with the Grain d’Orge pattern gold-plated at 20 microns represent a top-tier heritage 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 period-era custom cartridge with the letters "J.G." adds undeniable historical exclusivity highly valued in European collecting circles. The fact that it is 100% operational and with such a sharp flame ensures intense competition and a truly wild bidding ratio on the international stage.

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