Stumped on this gadget

[shardsofhistory]

Some sort of tobacco accessory? Sewing? Fly Tying? Anybody ever seen this?

It's 2" high. One tube is 3/4" diameter, the other is 1/2" diameter.

[truxtown · Accepted solution]

You have a self starting catalytic lighter (uses a platinum ball reaction with alcohol used as fuel.

Original was made by NEW METHOD, BRADFORD PA (I have seen excellent copies that were made in Japan).

Your pictures of the head assembly are washed out, but if you clean the item make sure you do not damage the platinum ball or the lighter will not work.

Hope I helped,

Truxtown

[eburtonlab]

@truxtown 

Nice catch, Truxtown!

Very interesting item. Here is a link to see one in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF1UmiwkIJM

[shardsofhistory]

Thanks for identifying this...it was driving me crazy!

Unfortunately, mine seems to be missing the platinum ball that's supposed to be there, suspended on a very fine wire.