Tinder-pistol (length 4 1/2 ins) of iron

Tinder-pistol (length 4 1/2 ins) of iron

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Tinder-pistol (length 4 1/2 ins) of iron
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Tinder-pistol (length 4 1/2 ins) of iron, with short wooden butt, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, etc.; tinder-compartment in side, having engraved on lid two dragons' (?) heads, facing opposite ways, rising from one neck; trigger a long tongue emerging from mouth of a snake; apparently made by some member of the Descos family; probably early 18th century. France or Flanders. [Nos 1047-1075 are all of iron or brass and have wooden butts. All have external mechanisms].

Details

Category:
Firemaking
Object Number:
1937-682/1061
type:
tinder pistol
credit:
Wilkinson Sword Ltd.