Can you identify this?

[VC455]

Found this in a barn with some other tools. Can't figure out what it might be. The rod screws into to hole and has a cotton like swab tip.
Thoughts?

 

[carhunter]

Is that a pocket hand warmer? The swab tip is the wick.

 

[rlitman]

I don't think so. I think it is just a fire starter. The rod in that groove on the side looks like a flint. In the middle of the cotton "swab" tip is a piece of metal that looks like it would spark well on that flint.

 

[bobemmerich]

Looks like it's some sort of fire starter to me. Probably a fancier version of the flint and steel.

 

[GMBracing]

first version of a lighter. the wick is the dipped in some flamable liquid and stored in the hole until it is needed

 

[Krash Kadillak]

Whole thing doesn't look that old, though......

 

[GMBracing]

according to wicapedia it is a permenat match

 

[rburke65]

Lighter, match, flint and a steel with a soaked lighter fluid wick. My older brother gave me one back in the early 60s. You can call it whatever you like....I don't know of an official name.

 

[woodchopper]

according to wicapedia it is a permenat match

That's what it is, I have one shaped like a cigarette.

 

[Torque1st]

It is just a type of flint and steel setup. I can remember when they were available to buy at the camping supply stores. I believe you can still buy them.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I don't think so. I think it is just a fire starter. The rod in that groove on the side looks like a flint. In the middle of the cotton "swab" tip is a piece of metal that looks like it would spark well on that flint.

We used to call them "Strikers" when I was a kid. The handle is steel, and the round item in the groove is flint. There is usually a little container with it to hold the cotton/wool starter materiel.

Jim

Edit, Upon closer inspection, the handle is obviously a wick, and the box holds some fluid. Probably suspended in a wool medium like a Zippo lighter.

 

[VC455]

Thanks, good stuff.

 

[ZRX61]

Sold as "waterproof matches"