Rectangular iron striker with curved handle. From a letter dated 30 Oct 65: "colonial type, late 18th-early 19th Cent. More typical of a hunter-trapper than trade- type J oval or rect. steel. Made from old file." From a letter dated 12 Nov 65: "entirely proper for trappers equip. All fire steels of this type were made by smiths from old files. Years ago people saved this material. The best gun barrels were once made from old horse-shoe nails." Letter dated18 Nov 65: "(this fire steel) is a good example of the better-made personal fire steel of the Late 18th - early 19th Centuries. The thing a hunter-trapper might carry with him."

LEAV 65.040.009 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited