A closed iron box containing tinder (charred linen), a steel striker, and flint, used by travelers and soldiers to kindle fire without a spark-steel and tinder cord. The striker is struck against the flint to scatter sparks into the tinder; once caught, the glowing coal is transferred to kindling and blown into flame. A tinderbox is a prudent possession on the road; without one, starting a fire requires a fire-bow or steady hands and dry materials.
Tinderbox
Iron box with charred linen, steel striker, flint; kindles fire anywhere.