What Is the Oldest Lighter?

What Is the Oldest Lighter?

The oldest prototypes of lighters in the world can be traced back to the 16th century. The earliest lighters were actually wheel lock firearms, a type of gun that used a manual mechanical device to ignite gunpowder. The ignition mechanism of the wheel lock eventually evolved into a tool used for lighting other items, becoming the prototype of modern lighters.

The direct precursor to modern lighters can be traced to the early 19th century when German chemist Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner invented the "Döbereiner's lamp" in 1823. This device used a reaction between sulfuric acid and zinc to produce hydrogen gas, which was then ignited by a platinum catalyst. This is considered one of the earliest chemical lighters.

In the early 20th century, lighter designs and technology improved, leading to designs similar to modern lighters, including the incorporation of flint and flame adjustment features. Over time, lighters became more portable and user-friendly, eventually evolving into the various lighter styles we are familiar with today.