Original Item: One of a Kind. Purchased in Allentown some time, ago this old tinder lighter has plainly laid in a barn or out house for many years and is pitted overall. Complete with a candle stand on the left side, the moving parts are all exposed on the right hand face of an enclosed compartment intended to store one's "tinder". 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.

This example is relatively crude in manufacture, almost certainly locally made during the Pre-Revolutionary era, complete with a wood grip in the characteristic style. It is supported to the front by what appears to be a wrought iron permanently attached bipod. It has a brass plaque on the wrist of the stock, which is inlaid interestingly in the shape of a Brown Bess escutcheon but of course much smaller. Functions well, holds on half cock *but fires from half cock, holds on full cock and sparks. It is is quite finely engraved with a sun at the top. over:

SUN INN
Bethlehem
Pa.

A very interesting piece of pre Revolutionary War History from an establishment still existing. Unfortunately the Sun Inn, first opened in 1758, is now a well known Tourist Trap completely commercialized, geared to modern living.

Probably dating from the very early days before the U.S. Revolutionary war. A fascinating item well worth serious research, in very nice condition for 250 years of age.

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

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.