{"product_id":"original-american-18th-century-iron-flintlock-tinder-lighter-marked-woolley-salem-with-candlestick-and-stand","title":"Original American 18th Century Iron Flintlock Tinder Lighter Marked WOOLLEY \/ SALEM with Candlestick and Stand","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlintlock 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe door is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWOOLLEY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSALEM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tinder compartment door opens easily and exposes a large enclosed storage area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eYears of Manufacture: circa 1770\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: n\/a\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Powder \u0026amp; Tinder\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length:  7\"\u003cbr\u003eAction: Flintlock box lock\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\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":45465956220997,"sku":"ONAC26B038","price":1995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC26B038.jpg?v=1785792935","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-american-18th-century-iron-flintlock-tinder-lighter-marked-woolley-salem-with-candlestick-and-stand","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}