French "Poilu" lighter 1914-1918

The French "Poilu" lighter (or briquet de poilu) is an iconic example of trench art from the First World War (1914-1918). The name "Poilu" was the affectionate nickname for French infantrymen.

Features of the Poilu Lighter

During the war, soldiers often made these lighters themselves from available war materials to alleviate boredom in the trenches and to meet their own needs.

• Materials: Most examples are handmade from brass (yellow copper), cartridge cases, or other metal parts.

Designs: There are several common designs:

• Case Model: Made from one or two nested cartridge cases.
• Coin or Disc Model: Round lighters, often decorated with French coins or engraved patriotic symbols.
• Book Model: Lighters shaped like a small metal book. Decoration: They were often personalized with engravings of places (such as "Verdun" or "Alsace"), dates, initials, or images like the French rooster or Joan of Arc.

Operation: They were gasoline lighters that operated with a flint and a cotton wick.

Today, these lighters are sought-after collector's items.