An Unusual Victorian Silver Tinder Tube

A rather unusual piece of late Victorian silverware. This is a silver tinder tube, used for the lighting of fires, cigarettes and pipe tobacco. The body is of hallmarked silver, with the interesting engraving of 'Minehead / 96' to one side, along with the retailers address of Thornhill & Co, 144 New Bond Street, London to the other. The steel arm has a striker which is actioned via applying pressure to the sprung end. An interesting and collectable item. Hallmarks :- Clear and readable. Date :- London 1896. Maker :- Walter Thornhill & Co.