Copper Slow Match & Spare Fire lighting taper

Copper Slow Match & Spare Fire lighting taper 37" (94cm) long

This is not a toy

You are buying ONE:

These slow match holders have been handmade from copper pipe and flared at both ends. The flaring process does mark the surface, with scratches and gouges, as shown in the pictures, some may also be stamped with writing from the pipe manufacturers. I have machine polished the holders and I hope you agree this gives a vintage like distressed look to them.


Slow Match
The slowmatch, Fire lighting taper or match cord is a slow burning cord. It burns slowly and evenly despite most wind and rain. Burning like a cigarette end it does not produce a flame and does not go out when handled roughly.

Similar to a conventional lighter a spark, from a ferro rod, can ignite the taper or wick; however it smoulders rather than flames. Please follow the instructions pictured.

Please ensure you have fully extinguished it before putting it away as it can take some putting out, it can be as easy as stubbing out a cigarette, but beware.

NEVER leave a slow match unattended as the holder WILL need frequent adjustment and may spit.

A slow match is often used to keep a light going and is safely portable; however it smolders rather than flames. In order to light a smaller and more delicate candle you may find it easier to use a sulphur match or sulphur spill as shown below.

Slow Match Origins
Early guns were set off by igniting a bit of powder at the touch hole, so there was a need for a handy bit of fire hence the slow match. The slow match was first mentioned in a 1411 manuscript; before that, guns were fired using a red-hot poker.

Also used by early gunpowder musketeers and soldiers to ignite matchlock muskets, cannons, shells, and petards; slow matches were ideal for use around black-powder weapons as they could withstand rough handling, wind and rain without going out. In addition, slow matches only present a small glowing tip instead of a large flame that risked igniting nearby gunpowder.

Slow matches were used from the 15th century until about 1630, when the flintlock started its rise to prominence. It stayed in use with small numbers of matchlocks in Europe until approximately 1730, and in Japan until the early 1900s.