Tinder pistol made of iron, with a wooden butt and two tinder receptacles, one on each side, body engraved with designs representing crossed swords, flags, and other military trophies, butt inlaid with gold filigree work, inscribed on the side with ‘R. Hart-‘well’, England, probably 1801-1850

Humans have throughout history used different techniques and tools to create life-sustaining fires. Tinder pistols are a more expensive version of one of the oldest and most widespread methods using tinder, flint, and steel. Traditionally, sharp-edged flints are struck against a fire striker, which causes hot, oxidising metal particles to split off and ignite tinder. Tinder is a fine material with the ability to combust quickly and often consists of amadou made from fungus, plant fibres, or artificial materials like paper strips and petroleum.

Tinder pistols, which were mostly found in European upper- and middle-class homes, have flintlock mechanisms. These mechanisms, also commonly used in rifles and pistols, work by pulling a trigger that strikes a steel frizzen, which subsequently creates a spark to ignite tinder.

This object is part of the Bryant and May fire-making collection, which used to be displayed in a private museum within the Bryant and May match-making factory’s offices. The collection comprises around 1200 objects, dating from the Stone Age to the early 20th century that illustrate the variety of tools and techniques humans across the world have used to create fires.

The collection was mostly acquired by the ornithologist and fire-making enthusiast Edward Bidwell and cared for by the collector Miller Christy. Bidwell collected between the late 19th and early 20th century – when Britain's colonial power was at its peak. Tracing the objects’ provenance is therefore difficult and part of the long and problematic history of colonial exploitation.