The History of Dupont Lighters and Luxury Pens

In 1872, a 25-year old determined and passionate man from Savoy, France named Simon Tissot-Dupont started a leather goods workshop. He recruited fine craftsmen and artisans who started to manufacture leather goods like wallets and attaché-cases called “maroquins”. Soon he became the official supplier to the Magasins du Louvre, which was a reference to luxury at the time. He then became popular and successful.

In 1880, with the advent of travel came the rise of the need for trunks and travel cases. Back then, royalty, celebrities and the rich engage in weeks-long, sometimes even month-long journeys to places and require quite a number of trunks and travel cases. It was during this era that S.T. Dupont trunks and cases became travel must-haves. It became a staple for travelling by talismans and royalties alike.

In 1921, the two sons of Simon, Andre and Lucien Dupont, bought their own hotel Particulier at 8 bis. Rue Dieu in Paris and began the manufacturing of more luxury trunks and cases to cater the increasing orders. Two years after, they opened a second workshop in their hometown Faverges.

In  1941, the scarcity of materials due to the World War II, Andre Dupont invented the first pocket petrol lighter and in 1952 his invention was a huge success. The Ligne 1 lighter, now made in more than a thousand variations, is the best seller. The “cling” sound it makes when the lighter opens is a trademark of Dupont lighters. Having a Dupont lighter is an elite status symbol.

Fast forward to 1973, Dupont diversified the business and invented the first luxury jewelry pen, the Classique. It is a ballpoint pen made of silver with a very refine line.

S.T. Dupont now celebrates their 140^th anniversary.  140 years of manufacturing all things luxurious. To purchase luxury pens and Dupont lighters click here.