7104-126 SMITH Patent kindler. Patented by Rachel P. Smith of Dubuque, IA, October 10, 1871. According to the patent description, the kindler is composed of water-lime or cement, plaster of Paris, and clay, thoroughly mixed together, and then formed or molded into blocks, held with wire at the end of a wood handle that goes into a nearly 7" tall tin tube for storage. This appears more rudimentary that a few other examples found with a green label on tube and better wood handle. The kindler end itself is stamped "Smith's Kindler Pat Oct 1871" and looks barely used. The tin tube is unmarked with surface rust. Very rare. Good (HSS1018) 50-100