Please help / advise on Dupont Ligne 1 lighter!

Hello, first post here, apologies for any mistakes in advance!

I received this Dupont (see photos) from a buyer on Ebay after I'd originally ordered a Dunhill 70, a similar looking model with box and papers. I wouldn't complain if I could verify this lighter to be real. I have some doubts regarding the serial number and I have tried calling ST Dupont directly but no answer, I've also emailed them and am awaiting a response.

The serial number is 16 I K P 87
A couple points to note...
The numbers 6, 8 and 7 are appear to be stamped slightly deeper.
1, I, K and P are more fine and softer in their appearance.
The stamp above the serial appears to be the wheel with wings, it has a tilt to the left.
The fuel cap has a red painted mark inside
I am hoping to remove the plate inside the cap to check for a serial number too.
I paid 85 pounds for the original lighter but instead received this Dupont.

Upon first glance it seems real but as I can't find a similar model with the serial font / size, I'm having a little doubt. I also need to weigh it to confirm the parameter weights.

Any information, advice, opinions or info would be greatly appreciated. I have read several threads about fakes but I feel there is more to this one than just the serial number being a little neat..

 

Welcome!

My buddy, @komokwa may have some insight for ya.

In the meantime, here's a forum search for the term "dupont lighter"
https://www.antiquers.com/search/114504207/?q=dupont+lighter&o=date

At least you'll find some general info on past inquiries for various DuPont lighters (real and fake).

 

I'm no help but it would be nice if you'd provide photos of the lighter from different angles, as well as the great photos of the bottom of the lighter that you've already provided.

 

Just curious.....I'm questioning why this shot looks like I'm seeing a double "u" in the DUPONT spelling in the enlargement ???! And of course, I can always be wrong!

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It says STDupont, a simplification of the script S.T.Dupont at the top of the photo. But I agree, it looks like DUUPONT.

 

Phew!!! Thank you AJ, I knew it didn't look right and wasn't quite clear, but couldn't get it any clearer!!!! Maybe I need to get a new 'job'!!!

 

No talk of new 'jobs' please, we need you too much.

 

I don't know lighters, but when in doubt scratch test the metal if hallmarked for gold. If it's supposed to be gold but doesn't test according to its hallmarks, it would have to be fake. If it's gold, odds are it's real; the fakie McFakeFaces of the world don't tend to work in precious metals.

 

Well, to be perfectly honest I wasn't sure what to think, was it a scam? was there a motive? I was more confused than instantly suspicious. The communication with the seller was great, very quick responses and updates, even to the day of posting. I received it about three days later (posted UK to UK) and when I opened it I immediately noticed it was wrong, but I only got a message from the seller the next day saying;

"Have you received the lighter as it seems I have posted you the wrong one?"

I confirmed it was wrong but also stated that I was happy to keep it (whilst I worked to see if it was in fact legit) but I'm yet to receive a response from the seller.
I took a while to check through the sellers Ebay page and everything was positive regarding feedback on other items, 100% positive and good comments / reviews.

Update though, I removed the inner cover plate of the lighter cap to reveal another serial number G3272, with reference from this video

 

I believe your lighter to be a Ligne One gold plated genuine ST Dupont.

older.....well used.....a little roughed up , from the photo's ..but legit.
I can't speak to it's worth or comparison to the Dunhill....
but it's not what you bought.......... so.......????

 

I hope u like the Dupont....

 

For sure, I was trying to upload them earlier but the site has a 1MB limit for photos, pain to rescale! But see below, they'll certainly hope other users hopefully!

 

Definitely older, definitely used and certainly roughed up!
Even with a good surface clean it's still worn, if I can 100% confirm it's genuine (which I'm beginning to think it is more and more) then I will get it fully serviced.

Below is the exact photo of what I should have received, at this point I'm not too disappointed as I already have two Dunhills which I love (see last photo) - The black with gold dust was a rare find in a renowned antique shop in the UK.

 

the black and gold is very nice !

 

I don't think I've ever seen one in person. Nice little things, for sure.

 

UPDATE: The lighter is genuine, after taking apart completely myself in order to inspect, clean and above all get an idea of the service/repair methods, I found various other serial numbers and even the mysterious initial of the individual that assembled the lighter, (as per the company video found on YouTube) which led me to conclude it is authentic. That being said, ST Dupont were very unhelpful, stating they couldn't verify it based on photos or serial numbers for security reasons, they recommended I contact auction houses for expert advise, (I figured the manufacturer would be the expert!) - None the less, my own research and efforts along with input on here and some people in the know has paid off and it is now a beautiful, clean, functional lighter once again!

I've attached some photos of the clean up process, fortunately I ran into no issues, everything is in great working order, the gas nozzle was a little loose but that was it!