Fire lighter

hi could anyone please tell me what this is called and was used for . Cheers

 

A 'permanent match'. Basically it has a wick, and a flint, and inside the container is a whole heap of cotton wool soaked in fuel (lighter fluid or gasoline).

You whip it out and strike it across the bottom of the container. The flint sparks across the ridges and sets the wick on fire. Fun as a gimmick, but I've never considered them very effective as a type of lighter. Or maybe I just suck at using them. Either way, that's how they work. Some lighter-fluid, cotton balls and a fresh wick and flint will sort that thing out no problem.

 

Hi thanks for quick reply. What age do you think it is ?

 

Not sure. They were common by the 1920s though. Given the general styling and appearance, I'd say 1920s-1930s. So 80, 90 years old.

 

Thanks

 

I used one for camping , but ok for lighting the occasional smoke too...