Original Item: One of a Kind. This is an antique iron flintlock tinder lighter marked WOOLLEY / SALEM, complete with an integral candlestick, enclosed tinder compartment, wooden grip, and permanently attached iron stand. Measuring approximately 7" overall, it is a visually compelling early household fire-making device with extensive oxidation, surviving engraved decoration, and traces of old candle wax.

Flintlock tinder lighters adapted the same basic lock mechanism used on period firearms to create sparks for domestic fire lighting. Pulling the trigger caused the flint to strike the steel frizzen, directing sparks into tinder held within the enclosed box or pan. Once the tinder began smoldering, a sulfur-treated splint or similar lighting material could be used to transfer the flame to a candle or prepared hearth. Comparable iron and wood tinder lighters with integral candle sockets are generally associated with the 18th century.

The mechanism is mounted along the exposed right side of a rectangular iron compartment intended to hold tinder. The compartment is accessed through a hinged door on the left side.

The door is stamped:

WOOLLEY
SALEM

The marking remains plainly visible. Its precise significance has not been established. It may represent a maker, owner, retailer, location, or later identification, but no documented individual or workshop connected with this particular object has been confirmed.

The tinder compartment door opens easily and exposes a large enclosed storage area.

An integral iron candlestick is positioned on the left side of the body. Old wax remains inside the candle socket, providing evidence of its former use as a combined fire lighter and candle holder.

The front is supported by what appears to be a permanently attached wrought iron bipod or stand. This allowed the lighter to rest upright on a table or hearth while the lock and candlestick were being used.

The flintlock mechanism remains mechanically responsive. It holds at half cock and releases from full cock during careful manual inspection. This observation describes only its current movement and does not establish that the mechanism should be repeatedly operated.

The object is relatively crude and utilitarian in construction, suggesting production by a local blacksmith, locksmith, gunsmith, or other metalworker rather than a large standardized manufactory. Tinder lighters varied greatly in refinement, and many surviving examples cannot be confidently assigned to a specific country or maker without documented provenance.

The iron surfaces are extensively oxidized overall, consistent with prolonged storage in a damp barn, shed, or similar environment. Despite this oxidation, areas of engraved decoration remain visible along the top.

The shaped wooden grip retains an attractive red brown surface. It remains in very good structural condition, with only a few small holes consistent with old woodworm activity.

With its unusual WOOLLEY / SALEM marking, exposed flintlock mechanism, large tinder compartment, integral candlestick, attached iron stand, surviving engraving, old wax residue, and well-preserved wooden grip, this is a fascinating example of early domestic fire-lighting technology. The uncertain age and origin, unidentified marking, extensive oxidation, possible barn or outbuilding storage, and minor woodworm holes are fully disclosed. It would display particularly well in an early American household, colonial lighting, flintlock mechanism, hearth equipment, folk art, or advanced domestic antiques collection.

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