Original Colonial Made Flintlock Tinder Lighter with Candle Holder & Storage Compartment- circa 1770 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice iron framed Tinder Lighter, complete with its original bipod stand, measuring just over 7″ in length and just over 3 1/2″ in height. It is completely unmarked, and the quality of construction is a bit below the typical British and European made examples. We believe it was made in one of the European colonies, most likely in the Americas, and definitely would have been a useful piece of kit.

These were first used as fire lighters by the flint striking a spark on the frizzen, which ignited the “tinder” in the trough or pan below. Tinder was usually fine shards of cotton or similar which was easily set afire with a spark. Once ignited the pan’s now burning tinder was tipped into the laid fireplace to soon burst into a good blaze.

Later example such as this featured a storage compartment for additional tinder, opened by sliding the door on the front to the right side. It also has a small candle holder (candlestick) on the right side, which would be used to hold a candle lit by the tinder. This could then be used to light other candles in the vicinity. It is also possible that these could be used as a primitive “flashlight”. It seems to be fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. We have however not tested it for its ability to light tinder.

Probably dating from the very early days before the U.S. Revolutionary war. In very nice condition and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: circa 1770
Caliber: n/a
Ammunition Type: Powder & Tinder
Overall Length: 7 Inches
Action: Flintlock box lock

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