The Dunhill Tinder pistol is a surprisingly large 18th century flintlock shaped table lighter. It has an antique brass/patina finish and the stock is made of solid oak. The lighter has a very precise and ingenious mechanism activated by the trigger of the pistol - When you "shoot" with this pistol, the battery (top part, at the front where you put the powder in on the genuine antique lighters) tilts like on a real one, the mechanism produces sparks and a flame as soon as the trigger is pulled. The Dunhill Tinder Pistol lighter was manufactured both in England and the United States from 1930 onwards until the 1950s. This pistol is exactly the same size and shape as the lighters of the 18th century. Placed among a collection of antique weapons, it can be a total illusion, nothing from its outer appearance, differentiates it from an authentic 18th century lighter. An elegant, refined object, uncommon in this well-preserved condition.