Laque de Chine S.T. Dupont Lighters

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Laque de Chine S.T. Dupont lighters

Chinese lacquer entered S.T. Dupont's workshops in 1935, introduced by Georges Novossiltzeff, the maison's first Master Lacquerer. It is a natural resin, not a paint, applied by hand in twenty to thirty separate layers — each one laid, dried and polished before the next.

That process gives laque de chine its characteristic depth: you look into the colour rather than at it. No two pieces are identical. This collection gathers our lacquered lighters, from classic black to tortoise, Windsor and the rarer colours.

Lacquer, close up

Our feature on the art of laque de chine follows the process from raw resin to polished finish, and the guide to finishes and patterns shows how lacquer sits alongside the metal finishes. Because lacquer is a natural resin it tends to chip rather than scratch, so condition is described and photographed closely on every piece here; the care guide covers how to keep a lacquered case sound.

Lacquer appears on both the Ligne 1 and the Ligne 2, and the value guide explains what vintage examples sell for.

Buying a laque de Chine Dupont

What is laque de Chine?

Chinese lacquer: a natural resin, not a paint, applied by hand in twenty to thirty separate layers, each dried and polished before the next. That is what gives it the depth you look into rather than at, and why no two pieces are identical. Our feature on laque de Chine follows the whole process.

Is lacquer durable enough for daily carry?

Yes, with a little care. A finished lacquer surface is hard and holds its gloss for decades, but because it is a resin it will chip rather than scratch if knocked against something harder. The care guide covers keeping one sound.

What happens if the lacquer chips?

A chip is permanent. It can be stabilised but not invisibly restored, so it shows in the price rather than being polished out — and we photograph any chip closely so you know exactly what you are buying.

Which lacquer colours are the rarest?

Black is the classic and the easiest to find. Tortoise, Windsor and the more unusual colours were made in smaller numbers and come up far less often, which is reflected in what they fetch.

Has it been serviced, and is it guaranteed?

Yes. Every piece here is inspected and serviced where needed before it is listed, and it carries our one-year warranty. A lighter that has sat unused for years normally needs attention — we do that work first, so it arrives ready to use.

What is a lacquer Dupont worth?

Lacquer condition drives it more than anything else, and the scarcer colours sit well above the standard range. Our value guide explains what vintage examples change hands for.

Can I return it?

Yes — you have 30 days from receiving it to request a return. The lighter needs to come back unused and in its original packaging with proof of purchase, and return shipping is arranged and paid by you. Contact us before sending anything: items returned without a request cannot be accepted. The full refund policy has the detail.