Original Item: One of a Kind. IMA has offered examples of flintlock tinder lighters previously, but never one like this example, made in the form of a flintlock pocket pistol. The “barrel” portion is hollow, and when the trigger is pulled it unlatches and the spring pops it open, which also allows the candle holder to pop up, with the hopefully lit candle. This is not a one-off piece, as we have seen other examples, but they are definitely less commonly encountered than the more traditional examples.

Like most other examples we have seen, this type of pistol originates from Italy, and is marked on the top of the faux barrel by the maker:-

G
BON
ARDI

We have unfortunately not been able to find any further information on them.

The pistol lighter has all brass mountings, including a beautiful perforated acanthus leaf side plate. The long-eared butt cap is also highly decorated, as is the engraved trigger guard and ramrod pipe. The back of the grip has a perforated brass escutcheon, and the lock plate is also inlaid with brass and bears engraving over much of the surface of all components. The stock is highly figured wood, and carved to have raised areas around the barrel tang and lock. The brass components bear a lovely patina, while the iron and steel components show past oxidation and peppering. The stock is mostly sound, but there is a crack through it about an inch from the "nose", which has not been repaired.

The mechanics of the tinder lighter are worn from age and use, so the hammer no longer holds at any position on the tumbler reliably. The release for the faux barrel to open up does hold, and the candle holder does spring up, but it most likely originally would protrude farther. 

This 18th-century Italian flintlock tinder lighter is distinguished by its pocket-pistol form, G. Bonardi maker marking, spring-open faux barrel, and rising candle holder. Its engraved and pierced brass mounts, figured stock, and extensive decorative work give it a notably elaborate appearance compared with more conventional tinder lighters. The brass has developed an attractive aged patina, while the iron components show scattered oxidation and peppering, and the stock retains an unrepaired crack near the fore-end. The barrel release and candle-holder mechanism still function, although the worn lock no longer holds reliably and the candle holder may not rise to its original height. Overall, it remains an unusual and highly decorative example of an Italian flintlock ignition device made in novelty pistol form.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1750
Faux Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.