What makes this example truly unique is its provenance. Commissioned by the horse’s owner, it was gifted to Colin Hetherton, the young veterinary surgeon whose intervention saved Nicholas Nickleby from certain retirement. Following an injury that many believed irreparable, Hetherton’s expert care and persistence brought the horse back to full health, culminating in a win that stunned the Ascot crowd, and earned the admiration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who witnessed the race. That Christmas Eve, a crate arrived at the Hetherton family home. Inside was champagne and this bespoke Dunhill lighter, gifted as a lasting token of gratitude.
A Masterpiece of British Post-War Design
Dunhill’s Aquarium lighters are among the most coveted decorative objects of the 20th century, celebrated for their technical innovation and visual impact. Each lighter was made from Lucite, a crystal-clear, shatterproof acrylic developed during WWII as a replacement for glass. This material allowed for a new kind of artistry; Lucite could be sculpted, painted, and illuminated from within like no other medium.
The panels on each lighter were engraved in reverse intaglio, a laborious method involving hand carving the design from the back, using modified dental tools for precision. Once the carving was complete, artists painted the panels in reverse - layer by layer - to build vibrant, three-dimensional scenes.
Aquarium lighters were produced in four sizes: the Giant, Half-Giant, Standard, and Service models. The Half-Giant - as offered here - is a substantial, table-sized form measuring 7.5cm high and 10cm wide, intended as a statement piece. Available finishes included gold, silver, and chrome plating, with each example fitted with Dunhill’s curved lift arm stamped with the brand and a registration number.
Most importantly, no two aquarium lighters were ever the same. Each was individually carved and painted, ensuring that every lighter is a unique work of art.