Tinderbox

Object Name:

Tinderbox

Object ID:

1965.013.413.1

Date:

1840-1900

Description:

Tinder Box, tin plated, with Striker, Tinder, and Flint. Cylindrical body with slightly larger cylindrical cover that has flared top edge and rolled bottom edge. Top and side are soldered together. Slotted cylinder that is soldered. Rolled top edge. Bottom section has flared foot. Straight sides and small raised bead near top edge. Top edge is turned toward center slightly and has slightly smaller radius turned at its top edge. Finger ring on one side, now bent, soldered at vertical joint at main body. Bent steel wire device inside with flattened and flared end. Small piece of what might be flint stone in body. Some unknown fibrous material inside. Piece of steel about 2.7" long x 0.5" wide x 0.5" thick, with bent handle on one end; appears to be some type of striking device for use with the small black stone in the body.

Material:

Metal
Tin
Stone
Steel
Fiber

Dimensions:

H-3.4 W-5 Dia-4.3 inches

Provenance:

Used to strike a light. Tinder was also kept in the box, along with the flint and striker used to create a spark that set the tinder alight. Inner lid (missing) was used to smother the fire after the candle was lit.

Credit Line:

Mr. and Mrs. Harry K. Rogers Collection, Gift of Josephine P. Rogers