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A rare mid 18th century oak tinder box with sliding lid and two compartments to the interior. Note the smaller one is all carbonised.  C1750/60

This one measures 31cm h x 14cm w x 8cm d. 

 Tinder boxes were used to store steel, flint and dried tinder, these were needed to start a fire. Steel was held in one hand and was struck by a piece of flint, the sparks that resulted were directed onto dry tinder, which would then hopefully create flames. Wooden tinder boxes hence were not the first choice of material due to the box itself having the potential to catch fire. A few antique treen/wooden tinder boxes were made they were usually rectangular in shape initially dug out from a piece of wood with a sliding lid, slightly later boxes were wall hanging, divided into two unequal sizes compartments. In the larger compartment flint, steel, tinder and sulphur matches were stored and in the smaller compartment known as the hearth the spark was kindled. Sometimes there is a small lid for the hearth which was used to put out any glowing tinder,. They were often stored near the kitchen hearth to keep the contents dry, many are found scorched from the fire or from spark production. 

A Rare 18th Century Oak Tinder Box

£0.00Price
    OPUS ANTIQUES
     
    We first became involved in Antique Treen and furniture some twenty five years ago and since then a passion for Treen, small wooden snuff boxes and decorative wooden items has developed into Opus Antiques.


    This web site shows only a  small selection of our current stock for sale, if you are looking for something you don't see, please contact us.

     

    We are also interested in buying Antique Treen items. As well as using our Contact page, you can also email or telephone us on 07941 285532

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    ANTIQUE TREEN

    The word Treen is derived from the word tree and is a term used to describe wooden household objects, all turned from one piece of wood e.g. a bowl, plate, gingerbread mould, and spoons, always having a function.

    Nowadays when we talk about Antique Treen it tends to cover all small wooden items including antique snuff boxes, candle stands, spice towers, etc. often made from several pieces of turned wood.

     

    When a piece of wood has been painstakingly turned or carved, handled, polished and loved over a few hundred years old, it can develop a wonderful colour and patina and becomes an irresistible piece of Antique Treen.

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    Address: Devon      Contact Telephone: 07941 285532       Email:opusantiques@hotmail.co.uk

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