{"product_id":"original-18th-century-italian-flintlock-tinder-lighter-by-g-bonardi-with-pocket-pistol-form-and-pop-open-faux-barrel","title":"Original 18th-Century Italian Flintlock Tinder Lighter by G. Bonardi with Pocket-Pistol Form and Pop-Open Faux Barrel","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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. \u003cspan\u003eThe “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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike 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:-\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eARDI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have unfortunately not been able to find any further information on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: Circa 1750\u003cbr\u003eFaux Barrel Length: 5 inches\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOverall Length: 10 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Flintlock Side Action\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45401166872645,"sku":"ONAC261029","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC261029.jpg?v=1784932015","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-18th-century-italian-flintlock-tinder-lighter-by-g-bonardi-with-pocket-pistol-form-and-pop-open-faux-barrel","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}