Old Cast-Brass Tinder Box: European? 18th C?

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by wlwhittier, Sep 18, 2022.

  1. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    ~6 1/8" X ~3 7/8" X ~1 7/8"; Weight ~533 gm.
    3-barrell hinge, no latch (good fit keeps it closed). I believe the inner cover, and perhaps the 2 slot-supports, are a later addition. There are many indicators of long use, and its commensurate wear. There are soldered repairs on 2 rear lid corners, perhaps from the foundry.
    The tag with purported history was in the box when purchased, about ~20 years ago, in Coburg, Oregon, from Dotson's Antiques...sadly now closed.

    My searching has been poorly rewarded as far as anything very similar. I hope some of you folks will have experience that will prove helpful in terms of where made, and when. Thanks for lookin'!

    CB2025F7-378E-444C-AD36-323F4D1FCA12_1_201_a.jpeg 88598BAC-87FA-4056-B564-049AE947F0A6_1_201_a.jpeg E8494FE0-61F0-4BE1-919D-57043884453A_1_201_a.jpeg 9D02C29C-D0BA-462E-9E15-3EBDA35EE5F8_1_201_a.jpeg 029BF279-EF8E-4D11-A24A-21765B9E4F7F_1_201_a.jpeg 20BDEBEF-16B6-450E-B883-DB34BA672E77_1_201_a.jpeg
     
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  2. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    It doesn't "smell" Tudor to me, but beyond that dunno.
     
  3. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    Tudor? Whittier said Tinder, as in materials for starting a fire.
     
  4. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    The handwriting looked like Tudor.(LOL)
     
  5. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    But he also asked about 18th century age, which is a long time before the 1890 date given in the note. ;)

    Just so long as he doesn't think it came over along the Oregon Trail in a prairie schooner. ;)
     
  6. Hollyblue

    Hollyblue Well-Known Member

    Looks like it was made with sheet metal and not cast in the photos.There is nothing in the photos to suggest a time period,the boxes are still made today by a number of people.
     
  7. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    Well...The tag says "from Pennsylvania in 1890." Perhaps the Iron Horse was the mode of transport, since the rails were completed in 1869.
    And it certainly was cast...the evidence is all over it! I understand that these are currently made by and for Re-enactors...but this box has plenty of age, and wear...it ain't modern.
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2022

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