Um... What is this? 4th of July Item.

I am clueless when it comes to antique fourth of July decorations.

What the heck are these?!

 

They look like the sticks fireworks were attached to .

 

No, there is a name for these.
They were used to light fireworks, but without a flame. Allowed you to be a little further away from the wick when lighting.

 

I think they were called "punks" - just glowed, never produced a flame

 

Yes that is what I couldn't remember.
Thank you for filling it in.

 

I think they are older type sparklers. Light one tonite and see, most types of sparklers are hard to light so a cig lighter or so is needed.

 

Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate it!

 

Just in case, since you don't know for sure what these are -- if you do light one, don't hold it in your hand while it is lit.

 

Ok good to know, I don't think I am gonna light them they are too cute!

 

The Punk sticks we used looked like incense on a stick. We still use them around the patio to keep the bugs away.
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/...t_Sellers/Home_Best_Sellers/Punk_Sticks/H8013

 

Oh cool! Thank you Mill Cove.

 

Love the Vermont store!

 

Dimensions would help. They look like Roman candles.

 

Hi Terry,

They are about 4" long and very thin only about a cm wide

 

Maybe some sort of firecrackers, then?

 

I've seen types of fireworks that consisted of a short stick, then a twist of paper containing firework type stuff and coloring agents; burned something like a sparkler when the end of the paper twist was ignited. Those were hand-held, but the ones pictured here could be stuck in the ground.
Is there something like gunpowder inside the paper portions?