26-084 A Rare Patented Fire-Lighting Device

Price: $1,550

Sold by Phillips and Durkin Antiques

26-084. A rare early American patented fire-lighting device attributed to Isra Ives of Connecticut and marked "I. IVES PATT.... BRISTOL." This refers to the Isra Ives patented rotary tinder box, Bristol, Connecticut Patented October 25, 1816. Constructed of folded sheet iron with a cord-driven steel wheel mechanism designed to generate sparks when a flint was held against the rapidly spinning wheel. Measuring approximately 5.5 inches long x 1.2 inches wide. The interior retains its original compartmented arrangement for tinder, flints, and operating cord, together with period lighting materials. An ingenious and uncommon example of American innovation from the years immediately preceding the widespread adoption of friction matches. It is in good condition and working order and is a scarce and historically important survivor from the early nineteenth century.