A fine and rare, charming, pocket size, brass framed, flintlock boxlock tinder lighter by Wilkins of Grantham, Plain, flat sided walnut butt.  Single border line engraved ring neck cock, the right side of the frame single border line engraved, and engraved "Grantham” in an oval, with military "Stand of Arms” decoration, the left side of the frame single border line engraved, and engraved "Wilkins”  in an oval, with military "Stand of Arms” decoration, engraved tang.  Single and double border line, and "pineapple”, engraved trigger butt strap and underside of frame, and folding trigger.  Brass oval frizzen pan with double border line and "wheel” engraving below the frizzen hinge. Very good working order and condition. Circa 1810.

Note: John Wilkins was apprenticed to William Newton, the nephew and successor to Edward Newton, to whom both Robert Wogdon and John Fox Twigg were apprenticed.  John Wilkins went into partnership with William Newton and upon William’s death, in 1790, he took over the business in Grantham.