Firestarter - Odd Tag Sale Find

[gman1001]

I don't have a pic so I'll have to describe it... Anyone ever heard or used one of these things?

My wife brought home for 8 bucks a little squat cast iron bulbus thing, about 7-8 inches in diameter about 5 inches high pot, you supposedly put kerosene in it. It then has a porous errr bulb attached to a metal rod, the other end has the heat protecting curly metal spring on the end.

The thinking is that the porous end soaks up the kerosene, you put it in your stove, under your logs and let'r rip.

I'm thinking I'm gonna toss the thing for the following reasons:

1. Smell, kerosene stinks. Can't imagine having this little crock pot of stinky flamable fuel in my living room.
2. How the heck do you take a hot flamming thing out of a stove and then sink it into another vat of flamable kerosene!
3. Dripping petro products are messy, can you imagine the mess and stain on my hearth and rug from this thing?

Anyone ever use one of these things? What are your thoughts... Previous owner told my wife, "works great!"

Sorry for no pic.

 

[BrotherBart]

Does it look like this? They are for open fireplaces.

(broken link removed to http://www.blackswanhome.com/product/cast-black-cape-cod-lighter)

 

[gman1001]

Very very close. Tx! Now I know what this thing is... A Cape Cod Lighter

Many of my reasons for not using still exist however.

Why only fireplace and not woodstove?

 

[buxbud2]

Cape Cod Lighter is correct. It is one of those ancient devices used in an open fireplace scenerio many years ago. Basically fill the pot with kerosene, allow the wand to "soak-up" some juice and then just "splash" a bit in the fireplace and ignite.I sell them in my shop very occasionally. I suggest getting either "Fatwood" brand starters or "SafeLite" starters from Rutland Products. So much easier.