S.T. Dupont is one of the world’s leading luxury brands, particularly famous for its handcrafted lighters, which have become synonymous with elegance, refinement, and master craftsmanship.
Since its introduction of luxury lighters in the 1940s, the brand has continued to innovate and remain relevant, offering some of the most iconic and sought-after lighters globally. S.T. Dupont lighters aren’t just functional tools—they are symbols of history, heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Whether it’s the classic Ligne 2, the sleek MaxiJet, or a stunning limited-edition piece, owning an S.T. Dupont lighter means having a piece of art in your pocket. For collectors, cigar aficionados, and those who appreciate fine accessories, these lighters offer a perfect blend of utility, elegance, and historical significance. They remain a favourite among royalty, celebrities, and connoisseurs worldwide, ensuring their status as a timeless investment in style and functionality.
Craftsmanship and Materials
Every S.T. Dupont lighter is handcrafted by skilled artisans at the company’s French atelier. The production process is extensive and detailed, ensuring that each lighter is of the highest quality. The materials used are essential to the brand’s identity. Many of the lighters are crafted using precious metals like gold, silver, or palladium, while others are adorned with Chinese lacquer, a hallmark of S.T. Dupont’s expertise.
The lacquer work on S.T. Dupont lighters is particularly noteworthy, as the company has mastered the art of lacquering and is using methods that date back over a century. This durable and glossy finish, available in a wide array of colors and patterns, is one of the brand’s most distinctive features.
The guilloché technique is an element of craftsmanship applied to certain S.T. Dupont lighters, chiefly those in the limited-edition collections. This intricate decorative engraving adds depth and texture to the lighter’s surface, highlighting the beauty of the materials and the mastery of the craftsmen.
The Early History of S.T. Dupont Lighters
Founded in 1872 by Simon Tissot-Dupont, the company initially specialized in creating bespoke leather goods for European aristocracy, buisnessmen and diplomats. The first T.S. Dupont lighter was not launched until the 20th century.
The company´s first serially-produced lighter was launched in 1941. This was during World War II, and the lighter was made of aluminium instead of brass, as brass was a more important metal for the war effort and therefore restricted. At this point, France had been controlled by Nazi Germany since 1940, and it would remain under Nazi control until 1944 when the allied forces ended the Vichy Regime and restored the French government.
The iconic Ligne 1 model was not launched until 1952, but it would come to set the tone for S.T. Dupont´s lighter legacy. It was eventually followed by the Ligne 2 lighter, which quickly became an international symbol of understated luxury.
Signature Lighter Models From S.T. Dupont
Several models of S.T. Dupont lighters have become iconic in their own right. Each model offers something unique, catering to a variety of preferences and styles.
Ligne 2
The Ligne 2 is perhaps the most famous and prestigious lighter produced by S.T. Dupont. First introduced in the 1950s, the Ligne 2 is known for its timeless rectangular design, and it is made from some of the finest materials available. It is available in several variants, including gold, palladium, platinum, and lacquer finishes. Its signature feature, however, remains the distinctive “ping” sound that occurs when the lighter is opened—a feature appreciated by collectors and users alike.
The Ligne 2 model has become a collector’s item due to its design, precious materials, and the distinctive “ping” sound, which serves an identifying mark for the Ligne 2. The design’s balance, proportions, and mechanics make it one of the most elegant and precise lighters ever made.
MaxiJet and MiniJet
For a more modern audience, the MaxiJet and MiniJet models offer a sleeker, more contemporary design. These models are smaller, lighter, and easier to carry while maintaining S.T. Dupont’s commitment to quality. They are also equipped with a torch flame, which makes them ideal for lighting cigars or for use in windy environments. While not as ornate as the Ligne 2, these models offer a combination of utility and style, appealing to those who favor a more minimalist aesthetic.
Gatsby
The Gatsby line is a tribute to the Art Deco movement, featuring clean lines and polished finishes. This model, like the Ligne 2, combines functionality with elegance, and it’s often seen as a more understated alternative to the larger and more robust Ligne 2 model.
S.T. Dupont Limited Edition Lighters
S.T. Dupont frequently releases limited-edition lighters that are inspired by art, history, and culture. These lighters often feature unique designs and materials, such as hand-painted lacquer, precious stones, and intricate engravings. Some limited editions are made in collaboration with artists, designers, or luxury brands, making them highly collectible and valuable on the secondary market. These models can fetch significant prices at auctions due to their rarity and craftsmanship.
Collectibility and Investment Value
S.T. Dupont lighters are not just functional tools; they are collectible pieces of art. Many models, particularly those made from precious materials or those that are part of limited-edition collections, increase in value over time. Collectors especially covet Vintage Dupont lighters from the 1950s and 1960s, and they can fetch high prices depending on their condition, rarity, and materials.
Due to their high-quality construction and timeless design, S.T. Dupont lighters tend to be long-lasting, making them worthwhile investments for both collectors and casual users alike. Both collectors and users appreciate the attention to detail, with each lighter undergoing a meticulous manufacturing process and stringent quality checks before leaving the factory.
About S.T. Dupont
S.T. Dupont is a French manufacturing company based in Paris. Established in 1872, it has now been making luxury goods for over a century and a half. In addition to high-end lighters, S.T. Dupont is famous for other luxury goods, including collectible pens and high-end watches and wallets. Philip Morris International produces S.T. Dupont cigarettes, while the line of S.T. Dupont perfumes are produced by the Parisian perfume manufacturer Interparfums. More recently, a line of gadgets have been launched featuring the classic S.T. Dupont diamond-head pattern.
History
Simon Tissot-Dupont, the founder of S.T. Dupont, was born in Savoy in 1847. He first founded a carriage company, which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1872. That same year, Monsieur Dupont purchased a workshop where leather briefcases were made for businessmen and diplomats.
In 1884, Dupont began supplying Les Grands Magasins du Louvre – one of the largest shops in the world at the time – while also keeping his private clientele.
In 1919, the elderly Dupont handed over the company to his two sons Lucien and André. The brothers commenced trading as Les Fils de S.T. Dupont (The Sons of S.T. Dupont). The sons brought new energy to the company and had a strong interest in high-quality travel cases and accessories. Soon, more craftsmen were employed, and eventually 250 workers and 17 traders were involved in the business – including highly skilled leather craftsmen, locksmiths, goldsmiths, engravers, woodworkers, and lacquer workers. The company also took out patents to protect their inventions.
In 1924, the company moved its workshop from Rue Dieu in Paris to Faverges in Savoy, from whence the Dupont family hails.
In 1929, Lucien Tissot-Dupont travelled to New York, because the French businessman and jeweler Louis Cartier had invited him to present Dupont travel cases in Cartier´s 5th Avenue shop. While still on the ship taking him to New York, Lucien Tissot-Dupont heard about the Wall Street crash. After spending some time in New York and returning to Paris, he made the decision to move the Dupont products even more upmarket to focus on clients that were not much affected by the crash.
Structure
T.S Dupont was founded in 1872 and remained a private independent company until 1971, when Gilette purchased 48% of the stock and turned the company into a Gilette subsidiary.
In 1987, Gilette went through restructuring, and T.S. Dupont was sold to the Hong Kong based retailer Dickson Concepts. Dickson Concepts, named after its founder Dickson Poon, specializes in the retail of luxury goods, including fashion products, watches and jewellery. Today, T.S. Dupont is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dickson Concepts International Ltd (DCIL), and Dickson Poon controls nearly 55% of the voting capital of DCIL through two different trusts.