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.
My Husband Left Me and Our Baby at the Airport and Took a Solo Vacation, He Deeply Regrets It Now
My husband left me and our baby, Sophia, alone at the airport to go on a vacation by himself. He thought he was going to relax, but his trip quickly turned into a disaster that would make his return home even worse. As I stood at the airport, Sophia cried loudly in my arms. My head throbbed, and I couldn’t help but wonder where Ryan was. I gently rocked her, telling her that Daddy would be back soon, even though I felt increasingly anxious.
Then, my phone pinged with a message from Ryan. He sent a selfie of himself looking happy on the plane, with a caption that said he couldn’t wait and needed this vacation. My heart sank. He had chosen to leave us without a second thought. I couldn’t believe it. Sophia’s cries intensified as if she could sense my frustration. I assured her that we were going home, but I was just as lost as she was.
The cab ride home felt surreal. I kept replaying Ryan’s message in my mind, feeling waves of anger crash over me. Once we were home, I put Sophia down for a nap and grabbed my phone, hesitating before dialing Ryan’s number. I realized I needed a plan first. After pacing the room and letting my ideas flow, I came up with a plan for revenge. I called Ryan’s hotel.
“Hello, Sunset Resort. How may I assist you?” asked a cheerful receptionist. I explained who I was and what had happened. The receptionist listened and eagerly agreed to help with my idea.
I arranged for Ryan to receive wake-up calls at all hours, surprise room service, and every tour possible. I felt a mix of guilt and excitement. Then, I went to our bedroom and packed up Ryan’s favorite things, his gaming console, vinyl records, and designer suits. If he wanted a solo vacation, he could live a solo life.
At the storage facility, I couldn’t help but laugh. Here I was, a new mom, putting my husband’s things in a locker like a jilted teenager. Back home, I called a locksmith for an urgent lock change. While waiting, I checked my phone again. Ryan had sent more pictures of himself enjoying the beach and fancy dinners, but he looked increasingly tired and annoyed.
The locksmith arrived and changed our locks, and I felt a flicker of doubt about my choices. But then I recalled Ryan’s selfish smile in that selfie, and my determination returned. The week passed with me taking care of Sophia while Ryan sent frustrated messages, asking why he was being disturbed at his hotel. I ignored them, letting him stew in his own choices.
Finally, it was time for his return. I picked him up at the airport, where he greeted me sheepishly, saying he missed us. I remained quiet, asking him about his vacation. He sighed, mentioning it was “interesting”. The drive home was tense and silent. As we arrived, he noticed the front door looked different.
He tried his key, but it wouldn’t work. Confusion spread across his face as he turned to me, asking what was happening. I simply said that his key didn’t work anymore because of his decision to leave us. Ryan’s face paled. He tried to explain that it was a misunderstanding and that he didn’t realize how upset I would be. I pointed out that he had left me and our baby at the airport.
He admitted it was selfish and stupid, but wanted to talk inside. I refused, saying his belongings were in storage until he learned to appreciate us. Ryan was desperate and confused, pleading for a chance to talk. I hesitated, feeling torn between my anger and lingering love.
Finally, I agreed to let him talk for five minutes. We sat on the porch steps, with Sophia babbling between us. Ryan took a deep breath and admitted he had messed up. He had panicked because of stress and didn’t know how to face the situation.
As he spoke, my anger began to fade, but I questioned how I could trust him again after what he did. He acknowledged how hurtful his actions were and shared that he missed us every moment. Sophia reached out for Ryan, and I instinctively handed her to him. He held her tightly, expressing his regret. Watching them together, my heart softened.
Ryan promised he would do whatever it took to fix things. I told him it wouldn’t be easy, but he was willing to work on it. I picked Sophia back up and said he could come inside, but he would sleep on the couch, and we’d start couples therapy right away. He looked relieved and promised to make it up to us.
As we walked inside, I reminded him to check his credit card statement since I had ordered those surprise tours. Ryan groaned, but a smile crept onto his face, acknowledging he deserved it.
In the following months, we worked hard in therapy, addressing past issues and slowly rebuilding our trust. One night, while putting Sophia to bed together, Ryan thanked me for giving him another chance. I replied that everyone makes mistakes, and what matters is learning from them.
He hugged me and promised that our next family vacation would be perfect. I suggested we start with a picnic in the park. Standing there, watching our daughter sleep, I realized that even after significant betrayals, strong bonds could form if both people are willing to put in the effort.
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