Miles
.
Portable Light?
Portable Light?
This 2.5 inch tube assayed in Birmingham 1918 has a single hole in the top section and a small tube which continues into the bottom. This smaller tube is surrounded by cotton wadding. On the bottom it says Pat appd for. Is this some sort of light which is missing a wick?
Miles
.
Miles
.
Hello Miles,
The charring to the top of the inner tube suggests it's been near a flame. If the inside of the top cap is blackened the thing was alight then doused. Cotton wool wadding is still used for holding fuel in petrol lighters.
Wikipedia on cigarette lighters-"development accelerated during the first World War. Soldiers used matches to find their way in the dark but the intense initial flare gave away their position. So the need for fire without a large initial flame was born. Inventors started improving the design of lighters and by 1918...."
The mystery object could therefore be an example of lighter development before the later flywheel and flint, ignited by candle?
I don't suppose the maker is one that might have a history of smoking related products perchance?
Regards
Mike
.
The charring to the top of the inner tube suggests it's been near a flame. If the inside of the top cap is blackened the thing was alight then doused. Cotton wool wadding is still used for holding fuel in petrol lighters.
Wikipedia on cigarette lighters-"development accelerated during the first World War. Soldiers used matches to find their way in the dark but the intense initial flare gave away their position. So the need for fire without a large initial flame was born. Inventors started improving the design of lighters and by 1918...."
The mystery object could therefore be an example of lighter development before the later flywheel and flint, ignited by candle?
I don't suppose the maker is one that might have a history of smoking related products perchance?
Regards
Mike
.
Thanks for the reply Mike.
What looks like charring at the top of the tube is actually tarnish and scratches.
I think flint lighters were invented in the late 19th century, but I'm unfamiliar with their size; this is nice and small which may have been necessary to someone for some reason, perhaps war related as you say.
You're right: the maker is Horton & Allday whose mark can often be seen on vestas and cigarette cases.
The huge variety of silver objects never ceases to amaze me.
Miles
.
What looks like charring at the top of the tube is actually tarnish and scratches.
I think flint lighters were invented in the late 19th century, but I'm unfamiliar with their size; this is nice and small which may have been necessary to someone for some reason, perhaps war related as you say.
You're right: the maker is Horton & Allday whose mark can often be seen on vestas and cigarette cases.
The huge variety of silver objects never ceases to amaze me.
Miles
.