Dunhill (1893-Present)
Alfred Dunhill (1872–1959) established the Dunhill brand after inheriting his family’s saddlery business on Euston Road, London, at just 21 years old. He transitioned the company into producing automobile accessories, launching a line called “Dunhill’s Motorities.” This collection featured items such as car horns, leather overcoats, goggles, and picnic sets, marketed under the slogan “Everything but the Motor.” With growing success, Dunhill shifted towards the luxury market, opening two Motorities stores in Mayfair. In 1904, he patented the “Windshield Pipe,” designed to allow drivers to smoke while driving without interference from the wind.
In 1907, Dunhill expanded into the tobacco business, opening his first tobacconist and pipe shop on Duke Street, London. After retiring in the 1920s, the company leadership passed to his brother Alfred-Henry, and later to other family members. In the 1950s, Dunhill introduced one of the first butane gas lighters, which became a huge hit, especially after being featured as James Bond’s lighter in both the books and films.
By the late 1970s, Dunhill had grown to offer 3,500 luxury products in over 20 global stores. The brand expanded into menswear, fragrances, accessories, and writing instruments, while maintaining its bespoke tailoring services. In 1985, Dunhill began sponsoring prestigious golf events, starting with the annual Dunhill Cup, followed by the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2001. Additionally, the company became known for its collectible “aquarium” table lighters, featuring intricate Lucite panels with various scenes such as aquariums and horse racing, which remain highly sought after by collectors today.