Bach & Cooper (B&C) are perhaps better known for their Dunhil Lighters.
But they used their skill and knowledge to manufacture their own Lighters, often using techniques and styles that seem very similar to those used on Dunhill Lighters. There is no information available about which came first, the Dunhill or the B&C.
Below we show this lighter from various angles.
Following are three views of the mechanism.
We see a simple snuffer lid, a medium length roller, and the flint wheel.
When we compare this with the Dunhill Rollboy it is clear that the designs and manufacturing are very, very similar. Even to the protruding lip on the Snuffer Lid.
And when we look at the Flint replacement technique we see further similarities.
Like the Rollboy, and both versions of the Dunhill Broadboy, the Flint replacement system depends on a hidden slide. The photogaphs below show this slide opening.
In the last picture above we now see the end of the Flint Spring jutting out, and below that a smaller hole. That hole is a cavity for a Spare Flint! Again, a feature we see on the Dunhill Rollboy.
The next three images relate to the base of the Lighter.
On the left we see the Full Hallmarking. In the centre of the Fuel Scre we see the part Hallmark consisting simply of the Lion Passant, the symbol for English Sterling Silver quality.
The Full Hallmark consists of:
The Maker's Mark, "B&C", for Bach & Cooper
The Anchor symbol telling us that this Lighter was assayed by the Birmingham Assay Office.
The Lion Passant, for Sterling
The Date Letter, a Capital "Y", which means 1948 for Birmingham.
Around the fuel screw hole we see the stamps, "PAT." and "440072".
It is intriguing to note that this Patent Number, 440072, is the same Patent Number as the Dunhill Broadboy (both models). Again this poses the question, which came first, the Dunhill or the B&C?
You may have noticed that this Lighter is engraved.
This engraving is very nicely done. But I have to admit that I do not understand what it relates to, the West Country is a clearly identifiable area in England, and PWB and KFT are undoubtedly the initials of two individuals. And the dates 1948-49 are comatible with the 1948 date of manufacture. Betond this is only guesswork!
| Question |
If you have a question about this item please email us at CAT 1012 |
| Book References |
See page 280 of "The Dunhill Petrol Lighter - A Unique Story" for the virually identical Dunhill Rollboy. |
| Overall Dimensions to nearest 0.01 |
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Height |
Width |
Depth |
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| Inches |
2.35 |
1.23 |
0.48 |
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| Centimetres |
5.98 |
3.13 |
1.23 |
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Rarity
My personal, subjective opinion as to how rare this particular precise model may be, in this specific material, but irrespective of the finish. |
1. Most Rare of all. |
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| 2. Extremely Rare |
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| 3. Very Rare |
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| 4. Rare |
Rare |
| 5. Quite Rare |
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| 6. Uncommon |
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| 7. Common |
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| 8. Very Common |
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| Cosmetic Condition |
Very Good to Excellent |
| Mechanical Condition |
Perfect |
| Operation |
Works 100% |
| Desirability |
1. Most Desirable of all |
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| 2. Extremely Desirable |
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| 3. Very Desirable |
Very Desirable |
| 4. Desirable |
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