Tinder-tube (length 60 cm) of horn

Tinder-tube (length 60 cm) of horn

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Tinder-tube (length 60 cm) of horn
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Tinder-tube (length 60 cm) of horn, turned; cylindrical in shape; cap of copper, secured by a slender hand-made chain of thin brass wire; ends of cocoa-nut shell; presented by Mr. Miller Christy. ? Holland. [One of thirty examples (nos 825-854)... of a kind... used most commonly In Holland, but often also in England and elsewhere. All are of small size and intended for the pocket. Most are cylindrical, a few octagonal, in shape, with a cap at one end or at both ends, generally secured by a small chain. They are intended to contain a flint, a small steel, and some tinder (generally amadou, but in England often charred rag). Nearly all are of metal (generally brass, but sometimes copper or silver), though a few are turned ivory. The surface of thoe made of metal often bears ornamental designs, engraved or in relief. Those made of horn are often beautifully inlaid with brass, copper, silver, and mother-or-pearl. Dutch examples of the better sort were often valued sufficiently highly to be inscribed with the names or initials of their owners.]

Details

Category:
Firemaking
Object Number:
1937-682/847A
type:
tinder tube
credit:
Wilkinson Sword Ltd.