Vintage 20-Micron Gold-Plated S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Lighter with Blue Laque de Chine
Pocket Lighter (Luxury Accessory) · Yellow Gold (approx. 18K to 22K color tone alloy used for plating).
Purity: 20-Micron Gold Plate (Heavy Electroplate/Plaqué or G) over a brass base metal. This is a high-grade industrial plating approximately 0.0008 inches thick.
Type
Pocket Lighter (Luxury Accessory)
Purity
20-Micron Gold Plate (Heavy Electroplate/Plaqué or G) over a brass base metal. This is a high-grade industrial plating approximately 0.0008 inches thick.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (approx. 18K to 22K color tone alloy used for plating).
Weight
90 to 110 grams (total weight including brass body, gas mechanism, and plating).
Description
An exquisite example of French utility-as-art, this S.T. Dupont lighter combines the durability of heavy 20-micron gold plating with the depth of hand-applied natural blue lacquer. The Ligne 2 is the flagship of the brand, renowned for its perfect proportions and the crisp metallic 'ping' sound emitted when the lid is flipped open.
Key Features
Signature 'atom' logo on the roller, four vertical vent slots for wind resistance, and the 'leaf' symbol usually found on the base indicating genuine Laque de Chine.
Color & Finish
Rich yellow gold high-polish finish on edges and vents, contrasted with a smooth, deep blue 'Laque de Chine' (natural lacquer) inlay.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually located on the bottom (not visible in image): 'S.T. Dupont', 'Paris', 'Made in France', a winged wheel hallmark, and a unique hand-stamped serial number. May include '20µ' for micron thickness.
Dimensions Estimate
Standard Ligne 2 dimensions: 62mm height, 37mm width, 11mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
Natural Chinese Lacquer (Laque de Chine) inlay in royal blue; the side roller features a concentric circle 'atom' branding detail.
Clasp & Closure
Flip-top lid mechanism known for the signature 'cling' sound; features a fuel refill valve and flame adjustment screw on the base.
Chain & Links
N/A; features a vertical textured roller-bar ignition system and a four-slot windproof chimney vent.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-engineered internal gas tank, hand-polished gold plating, and laborious multi-layer lacquer application requiring weeks of curing time.
Authentication Indicators
The thickness of the plating is consistent with Dupont's '20µ' standard; the hand-stamped (non-linear) serial numbers on the base (unseen) would confirm it is not a modern laser-etched counterfeit.
Origin & Maker
S.T. Dupont, Faverges, France. A premier luxury manufacturer known for high-end smokers' accessories.
Era & Period
Modern Vintage / Late 20th Century (likely 1980s to 1990s based on the atom logo and lacquer style).
Age Estimate
Circa 1985–1995.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of high-status executive culture in the late 20th century, representing the pinnacle of French 'Art de Vivre'.
Condition Notes
Good / User Grade. Visible surface scratches and micro-abrasions on the gold plating. Slight whitening of lacquer edges. Needs testing for gas leaks and flint functionality.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value between $350 and $550 USD depending on the clarity of the 'ping' and internal seal integrity. Gold value is negligible (melt value <$5) as it is plated.
Care & Maintenance
Polish gold areas with a soft microfiber cloth; clean lacquer with a damp cloth. Use only high-purity S.T. Dupont gold butane refills to avoid clogging the internal valves.
Similar Items
Dunhill Rollagas lighters, Cartier Vendôme lighters, or the S.T. Dupont Ligne 1 (which is shorter and thicker).
Interesting Facts
S.T. Dupont was originally a carriage maker for Napoleon III; natural lacquer is harvested from the sap of 'Rhus vernicifera' trees and is virtually indestructible once cured.