Before you comment, please be aware that I will NOT authenticate your lighter here in the comments section. You will need to send me pictures to the email provided in the description of this video or find it on my channel that is clearly posted. This is done for two reasons. 1. There are new fakes being made all the time, and your lighter has the potential of being one of them. Of which, has yet to be added to the list. 2. IF your first three digits begin with the list currently posted in the subreddit, Facebook page, or description of the video, it is a fake unfortunately. And there is no need for me to authenticate it. In closing, this is done to better help you as for some odd reason I get ZERO notifications from this channel on my phone when someone makes a comment. And contacting me by email is a better format than guessing here.
Thanks for the video, I bought a fake one to bring out because I was worried about damaging my real one, but the fake almost made me worried about my real one being fake, I'm glad you've put my mind at ease on that one lol
Anytime! We are working in hand with one of the official service centers here in the US to offer an easy to follos guide to protected them when buying fakes.
I have a couple of fakes for carrying outside of the house. They light my cigar as well as the $1000 Made in France lighters and I don’t care if I lose it. Good tips, learned something new.
2 part question. Are the any "flaws" or "defections" on the fakes or is it just a matter of these lighters simply not being original but they work just fine? Thanks in advance 👍🏽
Cheers Nicholas I liked your video, just a quick pointer, the tree motif is actually a leaf and this stamp denotes that the finish of the lighter is a natural tree resin / Chinese lacquer inlay. Keep up the good work !
Thanks! I have been adding more material to the guides as it comes. Boy is it a hassle! As soon as the team thinks they have something solid for authentication or dating purposes a new lighter comes in and bang goes that theory. While fun at times, it does get tedious. However, I do want to work on a sequel to this, correcting some of the items that are shared as well as going more in depth to how to really search for these.
@@nicholasjohnson6880 Hello and thanks for your reply its good to know that you are doing great work to provide buyers and owners alike with information and hopefully a little insight in protecting them against fraudulent products. Everyone needs to have many strings of knowledge to combat these fake goods from becoming part of their collections and cherished possession's. You are quite true in stating that the copies of Dupont lighters are so good these days that anyone can be deceived....in that to the untrained eye that they are totally indistinguishable from the real macoy. Using the same manufacturing techniques CNC machining, electroplating, Arushi has been utilised in the production of these products.
The new Dupont lighter no longer comes with hand-stamped serial numbers. Recently purchased line 2 through an official retailer and noticed that the stamp is actually laser encraved. Also gas color is yellow.
Correct. They moved to laser engraving at the end of 2019. Additionally, they added a intensity diagram on the side of the gas adjustment screw as well.
@@nicholasjohnson6880 If only you'd have waited a year, the info about the serial number would be correct. Maybe add a disclaimer or update to the video? Just to make sure buyers are aware.
When I posted this video there was no subreddit available (never had used it before and it was a learning curve) that had this information available. This was the first venture to start helping more than just the individuals that joined our S.T. Dupont lighter club on Facebook to not only help people better authenticate some of the more vintage lighters, but also to see better the ways that scammers tricked others into buying their "vintage" ones. (Be aware that the fully laser engraved serial numbers didn't come out until late 2021, only the "S.T. Dupont" and "P A R I S" portions were. The serial was still stamped until that time) I never expected the video to go viral, nor did I expect Dupont to change the way they stamped serial numbers either. But the deal is, that its main purpose was to throw a wrench in the works of the deceitful business pages that roamed both eBay and Etsy and help the buyer know when to walk away from a deal. Even so much that we started busting Catawiki postings and exposing that they were getting complacent and selling people $4 dangerous lighters for upwards of 700 POUNDS! But like everything, people adapt and so does the company. I wish that we still had captions in videos available to where I could pop it on the viewer's screen and let them know that there is more information. Sadly that feature is gone now and all that I can do is hope that they read the description of this video. (Which if you haven't already noticed with the comments that ask me to authenticate their lighter anyway, they don't.) I have been meaning to get a big update on this with genuine Ligne 2 models both new and old and go REALLY in depth on how we deep dive into the lighters that are super fakes, unfortunately with my work schedule (16 hour work days) I haven't had the opportunity to. In this stead though, I did provide in the description a link to the subreddit (to where no one has to sign up for it and the search algorithms will pick it up for desperate buyers or owners looking for help in authentication) just now, so hopefully that will help out. Finally, I rather be slightly outdated and have prevented someone from spending a fortune on a fake, then waiting and having someone possibly lose a ton of money on something not even worth a burger.
My dad has a vintage Dupont ,I think it's about 30yrs old.....starts with 83J...not sure how much he bought and how much is the price now...😊Thanks so much for sharing..
Hello Nicholas thanks for your reply much appreciated, I agree with you there are many things to learn about these fascinating lighters made by the highly bespoke company of Dupont. I studied restoration methods for ancient lacquers including Ming dynasty furniture and artwork. The lacquer is made from resin produced by a poisonous tree called Urushi which grows only in Japan, Korea and certain parts of Asia. Ancient masters were especially chosen for their resistance to the effects of this poison used in their lacquering techniques and has been used in artwork for 7000 years. The lacquer is an alkaloid which can be quickly absorbed through the skin in its liquid state, also the vapors will quickly enter the body by inhalation. However once the lacquer has totally cured it becomes inert then is non hazardous to humans or living creatures. Various careful steps have to be taken in restoring these ancient lacquers along with their pigments to avoid further damages. The lacquer is very difficult to restore so is always trusted to time served experts. Recently I restored the finish of a scratched Dupont lighter completely by hand using an ultra fine paste made from natural abrasives and oils . I would never suggest the use of mechanical means or { buffing wheels } on valuable items as there is so much room for errors. Polishing must be done in a unidirectional manor never in a straight lines from start to end or a grain effect will appear this will spoil the surface and also the sine will be impaired. Then to finish off the task I would use natural oils such as Pine and cedarwood to nurture the delicate chemistry of the resins in Arushi to eliminate the smallest of imperfections also to add lusture and sheen to the finish.
Hello! Sorry I didn’t see this, RU-vid never sent me a notification! That’s some very interesting history and just ads to these lighters as a talking piece I would think!
It’s unfortunate. However compared to Etsy and Catawiki, there is a good bit of them that are authentic. The other two sites rarely have authentic ones from what I have seen. Even worse, Catawiki selling a 4FK one for $900 and ignoring our warnings as well.
I do have a question, my father's dupont lighter has in the refill part is red & has all the stamps, its from the 70's thought it has a 20u is this solid gold, I thank you for your time.
Evening, the “20µ” stamping means that it has the higher level plate of gold. 20 microns “µ” is used on both the Ligne 1 and 2 lighter model as well. With them being seen more on the 2s since it is considered a higher level lighter than the 1s. Solid gold lighters will contain both a purity mark “14kt” “18kt” “24kt” “750” with a corresponding origin mark from the foundry usually showing where the gold originated.
@@nicholasjohnson6880 Thank you for getting back to me, I'm sorry I don't have the lighter in my hand at the moment, I live in Croatia & my Mother will bring it with her when she comes, sorry where would the 18 22 or 24 stamp be, I have a picture & it's hard to see, I can very slightly see the numbers on the very bottom though its hard to make them out, tomorrow I will ask her again if she can see, are the 20u solid gold or gold plated, I know its over 40 years old
You’re fine. The “20µ” means that it is gold plated up to 20 microns. Unless it has the gold karat markings I listed above it is not a solid gold piece.
@@propertyriiich apologies for missing your other question. It will be stamped on the underside of the lighter where you see the “20µ” stamp. However if your lighter has that stamp, you will not have the purity stamp on it as it’s not solid gold.
@@nicholasjohnson6880 OK thank you for your reply, this is dated I think around 1975, it has the fold up clasp that opens the gas, from what I can see good condition ones are around the 1000€ mark, unless these are now old post's & the value has gone up
I was presented with a Gatsby lighter which has a serial number of 14A (Fake?) but the engraving is uneven and seems engraved not stamped…so are these numbers just relevant for regular stamped serial numbers and do not count as fake for engraved ones?
I have a few ST Dupont lighters and one of them I’m concerned about. It’s a Defi Xxtreme flat white color. The finish is terrible and started flaking almost immediately. Now after having it a while the finish is almost completely gone. All of my Maxijets, Megajets, and Defi Extreme have a very resilient coating making me doubt it’s authenticity. Can u help me figure this out?
Good evening sir, Considering the complex design and massive amount of work required to copy the xxtreme, I highly doubt that yours is a fake. I won’t lie, I have received a lot of complaints on the model and some within Duponts circle have stated that the design is questionable at best. So far, neither I or the rest of the eagle eyed people or the group have seen a fake variant. If you are in the US, I would highly suggest getting in contact with a service center and explain your issues with your purchase.
Thank you for the video, it might be the only good video quality and voice on RU-vid, I own a gold brushed DuPont which was past to me though my uncle which he told me my father gave it to him back in the 90s, the age made me believe it’s an original as the Chinese knock off didn’t exists back then but your video made me wander if it an original one as the serial number Start with 4FK and the refill cap not colored but it’s gold from the inside only gold, now I’m planing to give it to my best friend for his birthday and I’m not sure if it an original or knock off
Hey sir, as much as I would love to say that I’m a wiz on repairs with Duponts, sadly I am not knowledgeable in the arts of repairing either. However, some of the individuals that I surround myself with are indeed well versed in that regard. I will ask around and figure out if I can find someone reputable to point you to. What’s your location if you don’t mind me asking?
So, one of my associates says that he works on them. Catch is that he is in Malta sooo probably not the most effective option. However he did suggest that you contact ARS at lighterrepairs.com/ and see what they can do for you since they are here in the US and service plenty high end lighters including Cartier both past and present.
@@nicholasjohnson6880 thank you Sir! I will get in touch with them. I hope they will have someone knowledgable as you. By the way, this video is in my favorites now, because it’s well made and extremely detailed. Thank you for all the efforts! You are AWESOME!
Are you still available to identify an authentic lighter? Is there an online serial number lookup that can be used? I found a mint condition lighter for a criminally low price and bought it cuz it was so pretty i didnt care if it was a fake. However after watching this and reading the reddit post I am starting to think its authentic. The serial number isnt on any posted list, its kinda hard to tell but appears to have a yellow dot inside the refill cap, says it was made in Paris France, has the little leaf, the only thing is the weight but since it has such a unique design I'm not sure what collection it could be a part of and the only thing I saw concerning weight was for the ligne 2 I'd like to send photos if you have the time
Not on the current models from what I can tell. I will ask my representative if that is still seen at the factory since the new models are more machined.
Hello! Is the one with with 1B CE090 serial number original? I am suspicious because it doesn't have the yellow spot on the filling cap. It is Ligne 2, 016404 model.
Apologies for the delay. I believe so as none of the fakes contain the appropriate gas color inside of the gas caps. If you could upload a picture of the bottom of the lighter and post the link to the picture here, I can give you a definite yes or no at that time.
Unfortunately there aren’t. In regards to sources listed, these are seen on all the fake 3rd party stores with most of these serials being used since the mid 1970s. Thankfully though, I work in collaboration of professional Dupont collectors as well as my contact who has worked for S.T. Dupont since 1968. It has been suggested to Dupont time and time again to create a registry, however considering the fact that it is too far too late to do so to track the standings, it is extremely improbable to be able to use the serial numbers to track the dating of lighters that way. Unless a huge batch of lighters complete with filled out cards (which most of them are completely empty or missing) were rounded up and a study was preformed, there probably won’t be a way to do so. However there are a few tells stories least on the Ligne 2 line that can be used to give an approximate year of manufacture, based on the type of screwing mechanism used for the gas adjustment cap, S.T. Dupont stamp’s depth and thickness, the inclusion or exclusion of the “de” before “Paris” and finally the Dupont stamp on the right.
so my Le Grand came in this afternoon. looks very impressive! the boxes seem to be authentic. i have photos but i couldn't find your email addr so i'm replying here. the serial #s aren't listed above. the cap code is red. the serial is very straight, aligned, & exhibited.
Wait a second. You’re that buyer that purchased that fake lighter from Catawiki aren’t you? Geez man they took you for a ride, you need to contact Catawiki immediately and get your money back as I assure you if you bring send the picture of the underside back to Arjan De Haan(the “expert” who didn’t even look at it) he will agree that it is a fake. Edit: I’m sorry that you got played but you are absolutely wrong. I just looked up the auction and you for your “4FK1” black and gold striped lighter. It’s not authentic, and it never will be. If you don’t believe me, you can take it into any service center and ask. Additionally, just as I stated above, if you reach out to Catawiki and show them the lighter again, I promise you it will be seen as a fake.
If imma be real about this ik the legit ones are expensive I know where to find those rn the fakes are still budget friendly and I don’t see nun wrong with buying the cheaper honestly, when I have bands to play with best believe I’ll be on their website replacing them 😂simple
Hi Mr. Johnson Very nice video. Thanks a lot for this. May you can help me for identify one lighter of dupont? My son bought me one of and i reslly want to know is it a real one or not. (sorry for my english. Im from germany)
Hello Nicholas. Can you help me. I’m not sure if mine is fake or not. And I’ve been looking all over the internet and found nothing. So if you could help me out it would be amazing. Have a great day!
Sure. Send me an email at nacadillacvclub@gmail.com with the pictures. Additionally check the first three characters of your serial number with any of the ones that I have listed in the description. If you don’t find your first three characters on the list, good chance that it isn’t fake.
So currently there is only one fake model Ligne 1 offered through alibaba, and that has the serial starting with “2FH”. So I highly doubt you have anything to worry about on yours. Additionally if you still have your doubts, you’re welcome to send me pictures at stdupontauthenticator@gmail.com and I can walk you through the process.
Hey! Soo first off I’m a enormous noob in the world of luxury lighters and English isn’t my fist language . That said I come across alot of st dupont lighters on the internet who have 1 circle in the middle instead of the usual 2 circles on either sides (I’m talking about the flame regulator +- and the cap for refilling the gas) so what’s up with those? I never come across those when I’m watching a review on yt
So that’s a Ligne 1 model you are referring to. You can take a look at a majority of the models here on my guide easily accessible here on Reddit. www.reddit.com/r/STDupont/comments/lnj38o/st_dupont_lighter_model_identification_thread/? Additionally it has the authentication guide on there as well.
I work in the Los Angeles area. However you are in luck as we have Art Brown NY who is a great resource on these lighters and the official service center in the United States!
@@kennylee5776 Nope. I lack the tools and parts to fix Ligne 2s. Perhaps in the future I can work on that, but as of right now I am not comfortable working on other people’s lighters, and let alone charging them for it.
Excellent video, I have the knock offs and they are good lighters; I just wish these Chinese would make their own and be proud off what they make instead of copying Dupont's ! Thanks for the info video! 👍
Very informative video. Hard trying to find history on DuPont. Have a 18260 with the original box. Not sure when it was manufactured Like 90s or 2k ? ... and are those 14k 18k etc. it appears to be legitimate because I have the box and company papers. Bought it at a govt auction. Thanks in advance for any info
HI! Thanks for information on video! My ex buy me a St dupon lighter silver diamond 1 year ago and now i want to sell it cause i need money.. I just want to see if the Lighter i have its original or fake one cause its look exatly like the real one but the serial number its look weird'its start 1A6 AA
Ah. That means the seals need to be replaced. That will take a proper disassembly. Where are you generally located? I can take a look at the list and maybe point you to a local service centerz
Follow the instructions in the description of the vehicle and I can tell you if your lighter is authentic. As stated in the pinned comment, no one can help you in the comments section alone unless it’s a known fake serial.
That’s all well and fine to have that opinion. However, what is not ok is for these shops to be passing fakes off as genuine Duponts and charging $600+ for a $12 lighter.
I prefer to take a look via picture as there is always new fake serials being found. Please forward them to the email provided on the channel. Thank you.
i have one it's not written laqure de chine and the serial number is (R4NY67) it's blue and on the bottom side something is writen in chinese in red!! is it real?? thank you
Please send pictures of your lighter to the email provided on the channel and I will check. There are new fake serials appearing all the time and I can not authenticate on text alone, unless the serial is the all too familiar fake serials.
There are a few other things I noted between genuine and fake. Flame is a big giveaway… on fake the controller for the flame is usually extreme. On real DuPont it’s mild. The refill caps on feel different too when tightening.
Thanks for the quick response. I meant a stamp in the form of a small square, as in this video at 2:43. Everything else is present, engraved by S.T. Dupont, Paris, Made in France and a serial number, but there is no stamp. Thanks again.
Bought a fake one to compare to my genuine Dupont and was pleasantly surprised, the serial number is literally perfect on it, is gold colored in the refill cap and feels solid all around. Fakes are scary good
Hi there, I found out that the factory new Linie 2 S.T. Dupont Lighters do not have an embossed serial number. They changed that routine of hand embossing the lighters. Do you have any other hints for the newer models?
Yes, while they have changed the design for the new serials if you look closely at them while better aligned there are still imperfections when it comes to the spacing of the characters. Additionally, the fake lighters are still using the list of fake serials listed in the video. Which I update frequently to keep track of. So just as long as the first three characters of the lighter to match those on the list provided, you should be good to go.
While I wish I could, it’s not something I can offer to people asking and be in the right might to say it was done properly or not. I might be able to point out the issue you are having if you share what all is happening with it.
Hello Nicholas! Thank you very much for the video, very informative and interesting. I have a question that I couldn't find an answer to anywhere. Many lighters do not have the Dupont stamp on the bottom right. Is it possible to say by this sign that this lighter is a fake? Thanks in advance.
Good day. Oddly enough no, there are lighters that do not have the flying wheel stamp on them, due to the pure chaos of non-conforming stamps at the factory. However in the late 1970s+ they got better and probably never had this issue ever again.
its possible the caps on an authentic were replaced with aftermarket ones if the originals broke or got lost. Just be aware that this should probably adjust the value accordingly
So be honest, as long as the caps are authentic and the same material, it’s literally almost impossible to tell. So I don’t think losing a cap would affect the price of an authentic one were to replace it. You might be able to purchase one from S.T. Dupont officially, or check eBay for a parts lot if you need one.
Hi Nicolas. Thank you so much for that video. It helped a lot! Nevertheless I'm still a bit confused as to whether my Dupont Gatsby lighter is fake a not. Most of its features hint towards the fact that it is an orignal. But I can't wrap my mind around the fact that it has (what I would describe as) an engraved palm tree. I think I've already researched for at least 20 hours, looked at limited editions, but never found another Dupont lighter that looked alike....I have all the documents, the serial number looks as if it was engraved by hand, the inside of the cap is green...I would be really grateful if you gave me some advice /your expert opinion. ;) Thanks very much in advance! Have a great day!