Can you tell me about this item?

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Can you tell me about this item?

Postby Darren » Sat Jan 29, 2011 2:17 pm

I've had this since I was a kid. Probably liberated from my grandpa's collection in the 60's. It has flint, wheel and wick technology. My guess has been that it was for lighting the old time torches. Looks like a piece is missing that would pull the lever up and release it when the top was opened, automatic lighting mechanism of the day. Just curious and thanks for any info you have.

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Postby parnold » Sat Jan 29, 2011 2:50 pm

My guess is a lot of people wouldn't smoke if they had to carry that thing around to light their cigarettes. :lol:

That could be the original Ronson lighter!
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Postby Woodbutcher » Sat Jan 29, 2011 3:30 pm

I have never seen one before. Real cool piece. Your guess sounds right. It does have the built in snuffer.
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Postby Ron H » Thu Feb 03, 2011 6:32 am

Was someone in your family (back then) involved in religion?
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Postby Darren » Thu Feb 03, 2011 9:06 am

Ron H wrote:Was someone in your family (back then) involved in religion?


Nope, just junking. Grandpa had an attic and 3 garages full. Do you think it might have religious significance?
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Postby teardrop_focus » Thu Feb 03, 2011 9:40 am

That has to be one of the most odd devices I have ever seen!

Thanks for that!

:lol:
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Postby rbeemer » Thu Feb 03, 2011 10:15 am

I wonder if that is a lighter for gas street lamps
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Postby Big Dan » Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:02 pm

In moveis I've seen guys on stilts walk the street and light the streetlights that might be what they used. Cool find, might be worth some bucks. ( Gangs of NewYork) is one of the movies I have seen men on stilts.
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Postby Darren » Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:15 pm

teardrop_focus wrote:That has to be one of the most odd devices I have ever seen!

Thanks for that!

:lol:


If you like that then, what is this. I've been asking people since I found it in the early 70's in a neighbors back yard. They had just had soil brought in.

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Postby Darren » Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:16 pm

Big Dan wrote:In moveis I've seen guys on stilts walk the street and light the streetlights that might be what they used. Cool find, might be worth some bucks. ( Gangs of NewYork) is one of the movies I have seen men on stilts.


Would be cool if that's what it is. I'll look around and see what I can find.
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Postby madjack » Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:24 pm

rbeemer wrote:I wonder if that is a lighter for gas street lamps


Darren, I did a quick search on Google Images using various combination's of key words and while I didn't see the same, they did have several somewhat similar items...rb's idea would get my vote...as to the other item, I wonder if it could be some kinda printing plate...can't tell from the pic but is the writing backwards on it??????
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Postby Mike Angeles » Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:40 pm

I searched Google images for "Bell Lighter"


http://branfordhouseantiques.com/cgi-bi ... item=33322
Last edited by Mike Angeles on Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Darren » Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:44 pm

Nice find Mike. :thumbsup:

Madjack, It is reverse printing. The date appears to be 1870, can't really tell the last digit. I think it's pewter.
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