Answers from the Community
- Trench lighter – I’ve got one from my father. It was often made from spent rounds with a few modifications to create a lighter. I had a .20 caliber case with an old threepenny coin soldered in the base, which was also a lighter.
- Army lighter that lights in the wind while covering the flame to avoid getting your face shot off.
- It is a lighter, but it might be a replica.
- It’s a miniature nuclear bomb hand grenade. DON’T pull the pin!
- Looks like a copy of an Austrian 1920s IMCO windproof lighter.
- Looks like a bobbin for an old treadle sewing machine.
- It’s a lighter – I’ve got one made of brass.
- Windless lighter – hard to find parts for it, but worth the effort to make it work. Awesome find!
- Miniature German hand grenade used by trained suicide ferrets in WWI. They ran up your pants leg and detonated at a critical junction, thus damaging many Privates’ privates.
- Military torchlight for when you can’t light campfires.
- I haven’t seen one of those in a long time.
- Trench lighter from WWII.
- Windproof lighter.
- I have one and it’s a lighter.
- It’s a coconut, duh.
- Prototype proto pipe.
- Steampunk suppository.
- Fire starter, flint.
- A vintage lightsaber.
- A vibrator from 1890.
The WW1 Trench Lighter: A Piece of History
The WW1 Trench Lighter stands as an iconic piece of history, highlighting the ingenuity born out of necessity during wartime. Soldiers in the trenches of World War I needed a reliable way to light their cigarettes or pipes amidst harsh conditions. Traditional lighters often failed in the wet and muddy environment of the trenches.
The Invention
Enter the Trench Lighter. This simple yet effective device, typically made of metal, featured a hinged mechanism that protected the flame from wind or rain. Soldiers could easily ignite it with one hand, keeping the other hand free.
Craftsmanship and Resourcefulness
These lighters were often crafted from spent bullet casings or other scrap materials found on the battlefield. This showcased the resourcefulness of soldiers. Beyond their primary function of providing light and fire, they became cherished keepsakes, serving as tangible reminders of wartime experiences.
Collector’s Item
Today, WW1 Trench Lighters are sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to the soldiers who once carried them.
The Trench Lighter’s Legacy
Also known as a “pipe lighter” or “pocket lighter,” the WW1 Trench Lighter holds a unique place in military history. Born from the needs of trench warfare, these lighters were not just functional tools but also symbolic artifacts of soldierly resilience and innovation.
Design and Durability
Typically crafted from brass, steel, or other durable metals, the Trench Lighter consisted of a tubular casing with a hinged lid protecting the flame. Inside, a flint and striking wheel mechanism produced a spark, igniting the fuel reservoir.
Adaptability
Designed to withstand the damp, muddy, and windy environment of the trenches, the hinged lid shielded the flame and prevented fuel loss, ensuring reliable ignition even in adverse weather.
Sentimental Value
Many soldiers crafted their own lighters using readily available materials, adding a personal touch. Engraved initials, regimental insignia, or other markings often adorned these lighters, transforming them into cherished mementos of camaraderie, hardship, and survival.
Enduring Legacy
Though the heyday of Trench Lighters ended with WWI, their legacy endures. Today, these vintage lighters are prized by collectors and history enthusiasts, offering a tangible link to the past.
Son Who Hadn’t Seen His Mother in Years Returns to Find Her Home in Ruins
Adam had not visited his mother for years, becoming distant after he started his own life. One day, he needed to pick up some documents from her house, only to find it in ruins and abandoned.
Diana Evans raised Adam alone, working tirelessly to provide for him and pay for his education. After he graduated from high school, he chose to attend a university far away in New York. Though it made her sad, Diana supported Adam’s decision to study and live in New York while she remained in California. In the beginning, they stayed in touch, and he called her whenever he had the chance.
Unfortunately, Diana never managed to visit Adam during his college years. Their communication mainly happened through phone calls, which gradually decreased over time, but she valued their conversations.
As graduation approached, Adam called his mother to invite her. Diana felt immense pride and excitement. She wanted nothing more than to see her son walk across the stage to receive his diploma.
After the call, Diana searched for flights to New York. To her surprise, the tickets were quite expensive, and she realized she didn’t have enough money for a round-trip ticket and a special gift for Adam’s graduation. Determined to make it work, she took on extra babysitting jobs to save up. After working long hours, she finally had enough money to buy her ticket and a gift.
While shopping, she decided on a nice watch, thinking every professional should have one. After making her purchase, she excitedly asked the sales clerk to wrap it beautifully, explaining that it was a gift for her son who was graduating from a top university.
A few days later, Diana flew to New York. Adam picked her up from the airport, and together they went to his campus for the graduation ceremony. Diana couldn’t contain her excitement as she snapped pictures. When Adam received his diploma, she cheered loudly, bursting with pride.
After the ceremony, they embraced warmly, sharing heartfelt congratulations. They went out to a nice restaurant for dinner, and even though Diana worried about the bill, Adam insisted on treating her, expressing his gratitude for all she had done for him.
Overcome with emotion, Diana felt grateful for the kind man Adam had become. She handed him the gift she had brought, and he was delighted to find the watch inside. He promised to wear it every day as a reminder of her support. That night, they enjoyed their time together, taking photos and exploring the sights of New York.
A few days later, Diana had to return to California. She felt lonely thinking about being back home without him. Adam assured her that he would try to visit, promising to keep in touch. Sadly, those calls became less frequent until they eventually stopped altogether. Diana began to feel lonely and depressed, struggling with her health and appetite. Despite her attempts to reach out, Adam was busy with work and his relationship, making only occasional calls to check in.
Eventually, Adam decided to establish his own firm in New York and needed some documents from California. Instead of asking his mother to send them, he flew back home unexpectedly. However, upon arriving, he was shocked by the state of the house.
The once vibrant home was now in disrepair, with cobwebs and broken fences. Inside, it was empty except for some ruined furniture. Adam tried calling his mother but received no answer, so he went to a neighbor for information.
The neighbor revealed that a recent storm had caused significant damage to their home. Diana hadn’t had the funds to repair it and had moved into a nursing home to avoid burdening Adam. Shocked and filled with guilt, Adam rushed to the nursing home. When he saw his mother, frail and in a wheelchair, he felt overwhelmed with regret for not being there for her when she needed him most.
Diana, relieved and touched to see her son, encouraged him to rise from the ground, but he remained there, expressing his sorrow for neglecting her. Adam promised never to let her be alone again, vowing to take care of her. This time, he kept his promise. He repaired their home and brought her back from the nursing home.
He chose to start his business in California instead of New York and invited his girlfriend to live with them. Together, they created a loving home where Diana felt cherished and happy once more. She helped around the house, cooking meals and keeping everything in order while Adam and his girlfriend worked.
The family found joy in their time together, reminding us that no matter how busy life gets, we should always prioritize our loved ones. A mother’s love is unwavering, and Diana’s hope for a reunion with Adam never faded, proving that love endures even in times of separation.
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