How to spot a fake S. T. Dupont?
It can be difficult to authenticate an original S.T. Dupont lighter if you are unsure what to look for. This guide gives a detailed, step by step breakdown.
GENERAL RULES OF THUMB
- Brand new models for low prices
- Be careful with Limited editions as well as extravagant and uncommon designs
- Evenly spaced machine engraved serial number
- Muddy and thickly engraved letters and symbols
- No colour in the filler cap
Different models
To recognise a fake Dupont we must first identify the model. Ligne 1 and older Ligne 2 models are significantly less often faked. The different lighters are most easily identified by looking at the underside.
If the lighter has a single screw knob under which the gas intake is hidden, than it is a Ligne 1.
If the lighters has two knobs, one to hide the gas intake, one to adjust the hight of the flame, it is a Ligne 2.
Ligne 1
Ligne 1 models have only been faked in very limited numbers. Most Ligne 1s are real S.T. Dupont lighters. Especially if the lighters looks old and has a bit of wear it is a strong indication that the lighter is real.
There are a couple exceptions, please pay close attention to these.
If the lighter looks brand new and has a peculiar design: check the serial number.
Real lighters have a hand stamped serial number, that is small, uneven and fine.
Fake lighters have a thickly machine engraved evenly spaced serial number.
On the pictures you can see the difference between a real and fake lighters
The first serial number is too big, muddy and evenly spaced.
The original serial number is unevenly spaced and fine. You can recognise that it iis stamped rather than laser engraved.
Some letters or numbers are not straight or only part of the symbol is properly visible.
Older real S. T. Dupont Ligne 1s from the 50s-90s have a larger font. These serial numbers usually do not start with a ‘1’.
Some models like the one above are very convincing. The letter and numbers are unevenly spaced out
Here it is again important to pay attention to:
Unique designs
If Ligne 1 has a extravagant or unique design it can possibly be fake.
Laque de Chine
Fake Ligne 1 Laque de Chine models have larger gold plated borders around the lacquered surface
Dot of red pain in the filler cap
Real Ligne 1s use the red gas type, because of this they have a dot of red paint in the filler cap. Fake lighters do not have this.
Fake ligne 2
Ligne 2 lighters have two knobs at the bottom. One for gas, one to adjust the height of the flame. These lighters are faked most commonly
There are 5 important factors to consider in determining the authenticity of a S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 lighter
1. 1. New lighters for low prices
2. 2. Limited editions and extravagant designs
3. 3. Muddy and incorrect engravings on the flame height adjuster screw
4. 4. Laser engraved, equally spaced serial numbers
5. 5. There is no dot of paint in the filler cap
Instead
1. 1. New lighters sell for high prices at reputable vendors, not Etsy
2. 2. Limited editions and extravagant designs are rare to come by
3. 3. The engravings on the flame height adjuster screw is sharp and precise
4. 4. The serial number is hand stamped and thus unevenly spaced
5. 5. A dot of paint can be found in the filler cap
1. Be careful where you buy lighters
P Places like Etsy are notorious for fake lighters. Furthermore you should be careful for deals that seem to good to be true e.g. a practically new lighter for a very low price. You can always reference the official Dupont website for prices of new lighters. The price of vintage and new old stock lighters varies based on condition and rarity.
A seller like Avenue of Aesthetic lighters offer vintage Dupont lighters with guaranteed authenticity against reasonable prices.
A lot of limited editons are fake
2. Limited edition lighters are made in limited numbers ranging from the hundreds to 5000 pieces, depending on the model. This comes at a price
Arrow and cross
The two most important ways to recognise whether a S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 is fake is by look at the underside of the lighter. A real S. T. Dupont has a clearly engraved arrow and cross, while a fake model has a muddy and thick arrow and cross. The arrow of a real Dupont isn't filled out either.
Serial numbers
Real S. T. Dupont lighters have a handstamped serial number that is unevenly spaced. The letters and numbers are finely stamped and can be difficult to see if the lighter has some wear to it.
Filler cap
Real S.T. Dupont ligne 2 lighters have a dot of paint under the filler cap that hides the nozzle to refill the gastank. For Ligne 2 lighters this will either be yellow or green. Fake lighters do not have a dot of paint in their filler cap.