The Webmaster's Antiques

An American, most likely Philadelphia, Pennsylvania early tole decorated tin miniature Tinder Box, complete with an early Bear Fat Candle. This is an absolutely rare Folk Art form of Early American Lighting! It is an important piece for several reasons: one is it's tiny size which indicates it was made for a traveler; another is how very compact and efficient it is; and it's condition is original and untouched showing only normal wear. I'll bet you haven't seen another of this type of fold out early lighting. The photos show how it unfolds and has the Flint and Tinder in a separate lidded area. The Tole Decoration is of a Georgian Colonial Home on the lid, a band of Yellow around the perineter of the lid, and the balance of the box is Japanned which is normal for an early piece of American Tole. Don't burn the miniature Candle, it is made of Bear Fat and it is itself very old and very rare. If you collect early lighting, this is a piece for you, no others are known.