In 1893, Alfred Dunhill took over the family saddlery business. In 1904, the company expanded into automotive accessories. In 1914, during World War I, it launched the first Trench Lighter, establishing the technical foundation for trench-style lighters through British military supply orders. In 1926, the iconic Unique one-handed lighter was introduced, becoming the brand's flagship product line.

After the outbreak of World War II, Dunhill established a wholly owned U.S. factory (Dunhill USA Corp.) to fulfill military supply orders for the U.S. Armed Forces. Collaborating with American designer Irving Florman, the company refined its designs to produce the Service series trench lighters—rugged, field-ready lighters specifically intended for use by U.S. Navy and Army personnel. These practical lighters were distinctly positioned as durable battlefield tools, setting them apart from the luxury silver-cased Unique series available in the UK.

The U.S. factory for the brand closed 1947 years after the war, leading to the discontinuation of the entire Service line; this model has since become a classic WWII military collectible.