What’s this object called?

Answers from the Community

1. 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.
2. Army lighter that lights in the wind while covering the flame to avoid getting your face shot off.
3. It is a lighter, but it might be a replica.
4. It’s a miniature nuclear bomb hand grenade. DON’T pull the pin!
5. Looks like a copy of an Austrian 1920s IMCO windproof lighter.
6. Looks like a bobbin for an old treadle sewing machine.
7. It’s a lighter – I’ve got one made of brass.
8. Windless lighter – hard to find parts for it, but worth the effort to make it work. Awesome find!
9. 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.
10. Military torchlight for when you can’t light campfires.
11. I haven’t seen one of those in a long time.
12. Trench lighter from WWII.
13. Windproof lighter.
14. I have one and it’s a lighter.
15. It’s a coconut, duh.
16. Prototype proto pipe.
17. Steampunk suppository.
18. Fire starter, flint.
19. A vintage lightsaber.
20. 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.

Legendary Actress Loni Anderson: Forever Beautiful at 78

Loni Anderson, the well-known actress who captured our hearts as Cincinnati’s beloved sitcom WKRP’s Jennifer Marlowe, is proving that beauty has no age limits. Even at 78 years old, she still has an incredible appearance.

A Star That Transcends Time

Playing the sultry and brilliant Jennifer in the late 1970s catapulted Loni to fame. For the show, which traced the highs and lows of a fictional Ohio radio station, she was awarded three Grammys.

“I think women liked that I embodied both sexiness and intelligence,” Loni said. “In 1978, there weren’t many women in comedy who could effortlessly blend the two.”

Early Setbacks and Unwavering Determination

Loni struggled to overcome the challenges she faced on her early journey to stardom. The first girl in the school had to put up with looks and comments, so wearing a bra wasn’t always simple. Loni, though, proved that nothing could get in her way.

After making her acting debut in 1966, she never looked back. Along the way, she made appearances in several TV shows and movies, cementing her status as an iconic star. Among her most noteworthy moments is her appearance in a bikini poster, which was instrumental in her obtaining the Jennifer character on WKRP.

“I posed for that poster because my grandchildren would see it one day,” Loni remarked with a smile. And I’ll be proud to tell them that’s exactly how I appeared. What you saw is what you got.

Getting Past Personal Obstacles

Despite her popularity on TV, Loni’s personal life wasn’t always spectacular. Her four marriages, the most well-known of which was to actor Burt Reynolds, brought her highs and lows. Their dramatic, widely reported divorce after six years of marriage was marred by disparaging remarks and allegations. But in the end, by acknowledging the challenges she faced, Loni displayed amazing strength. Regarding the claims of physical abuse and unpaid child support, she was forthright.

Loni showed her respects when Burt died away in 2018, which speaks everything about her character. She was aware of his impact on her life and that of their son Quinton. This demonstrates her capacity for kindness and forgiveness.

Getting Older While Maintaining Grace

Even at 78 years old, Loni Anderson radiates beauty. She attributes her young look to leading a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. With unwavering determination, she challenges the stereotype of what a grandmother should look like and works to redefine the limits of age.

“I never thought I wanted to be the conventional, rocking-chair-wearing, sensible-shoe-wearing grandma,” Loni remarked. “Grandmothers don’t fit that stereotype, so we need to change how people think about what they can be!”

A Life Filled with Love and Inspiration

In addition to having a positive outlook on life, Loni makes sure the right people are around her. 2008 saw her marry her real love, guitarist Bob Flick. They are now happy grandparents and have a beautiful family together. Loni Anderson is a joy to be around and never ceases to inspire us with her positive view on life, even in the face of adversity, such as finding out that her daughter has multiple sclerosis. She informs us that age is just a number and that true beauty is found on the inside out.