WWI trench lighter made from bullet casing
Trench lighter
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES - PERSONAL GEAR2020.39-1A-20
brass, rope
overall: 2 1/2 x 1 5/16 x 3/8 in.
A lighter belonging to George Moore, a TITANIC crew member who was put in charge of lifeboat 3 and survived the sinking. This appears to be a "trench lighter," possibly made out of a bullet casing. Such lighters were common among soldiers in the trenches of World War I. Moore served in WWI on merchant marine ships requisitioned for military purposes, including as a gunner, so it is likely he acquired it during that time. The lighter would have a small "flint" stone under the wheel, with a spring mechanism underneath it so the flint would be pushed up as it wore out. The lighter has a wick that would sit in the fuel. The user would spin the wheel to create a spark and light the wick. The lighter has two screws on the bottom, a large, flush one to refill the fuel reservoir and a small one to pull out the spring and replace the flint. There is a removable cap to cover the wick and keep it dry. The lighter has some scratches along its sides and use wear around the wheel, but it is otherwise in excellent condition.
2020.39.7409