Antique Possible WWI Early 20th Century Brass Trench Art Pocket Lighter

Antique Possible WWI / Early 20th Century Brass Trench Art Pocket Lighter — With Striker Wheel & Wick

8 cm tall

2 cm wide

A wonderfully atmospheric little brass pocket lighter, possibly an early 20th-century trench art piece, with a slim rounded case, removable cap, striker wheel and wick mechanism. The lighter has a simple, functional form with softly rounded ends and decorative double-line detailing around the top section, giving it a quietly elegant utilitarian look.

This type of pocket lighter is often associated with the First World War and interwar period, when small personal items were frequently handmade, adapted or repaired from brass and other available metals. Many so-called “trench art” lighters were fashioned from cartridge cases, scrap brass or military-related materials, although without markings it is best to describe this example as possible trench art / military-style rather than definitively proven trench-made.

The charm here is very much in its honest age and pocket-worn character. It has the look of an object that was carried, used and kept close — the sort of small personal piece that speaks of practicality, resourcefulness and social history.

The lighter separates into three parts: the main body, the cap, and the internal striker/wick component. The brass has a warm aged tone with surface marks, light scratches, tarnish and wear consistent with age and handling. The striker wheel and wick are present, though the item is being sold as a collectible display piece rather than as a working lighter, and it has not been tested with fuel.

A lovely small curiosity for collectors of trench art, military ephemera, early lighters, brassware, gentleman’s pocket items or social history pieces.

Condition:

Vintage/antique condition with age-related surface wear, tarnish, rubbing, small dents/marks and signs of use. Wick and striker mechanism are present, but the lighter is untested and sold as a decorative collectible. Please study photos carefully as they form part of the description.

Listing note:

Described as “possible trench art” due to style, material and construction, but no maker’s mark or provenance is present to confirm military origin.