French & Indian War - Revolutionary War Tinderbox, with striker and flints (SOLD)

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a very early tinderbox used from the French & Indian War through the Revolutionary War, circa 17300 – 1760. It measures 4  ½” x 1 ¾” x 1 ¼” and inside are two flints and the iron striker. The box has one straight hinge along with a beautiful finish.  

To achieve a shiny finish on metal during the 18^th century, it took intense manual labor with hand-polishing. The artisan would have to use fine abrasives such as rottenstone, Tripoli (fine, porous siliceous rock), or emery, applied with leather or cloth to polish surfaces.

Tinderboxes would have been carried by all soldiers, American, French, and British – it was their only means of starting a fire. The tinderbox would have to be close to freshly laid twigs, so the flame communicated to the kindling with the lighted tow. They fell out of general usage when friction matches were invented.

In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, there are examples of tinderboxes and strikers (see pictures). This tinderbox is in very nice condition – the box easily opens and snaps shut. I’ve had several tinderboxes over the years, but this is by far the earliest and most unique one I had.

Revolutionary War and French & Indian War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.