Will It Light Up After 118 Years? Restoration of a Rare WWI Trench Lighter

In this video, I restore an antique lighter that was found by metal detectorists. It is believed to date back to 1917—during the intense trench warfare of Eastern Europe. The lighter is made of a brass body, but the iron flint wheel has completely deteriorated. The remaining parts are in decent condition. To remove oxidation and patina, I soaked the lighter in vinegar solution. After that, I cleaned the body using steel wool. The remnants of the flint wheel had to be drilled out. After hours of meticulous work with a file and sandpaper, the lighter began to regain its beautiful appearance. I decided to leave the surface design intact to preserve the history and age of the piece. The edges will be polished to a shiny finish, highlighting the craftsmanship of the restoration. Antique items like this lighter were often crafted by soldiers from melted-down brass cartridge casings—practical and meaningful symbols of their time. Restoring such artifacts allows us to preserve history and heritage. If you enjoy my work, support the channel by becoming a sponsor ❤️ Also, leave a rating in the comments from 1 to 10! 👍 Don't forget to like and subscribe! 🫶 Don't forget to check out the restoration of a lighter belonging to an American soldier who took part in the D-Day operation in Normandy in 1944. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkd0A3ankEQ&ab_channel=Reflame #restoration #lighter #asmr