Knockaloe Internment Camp cigarette lighter
Date made: 1919
Description: A brass cigarette lighter, with an engraved design, cylindrical shape. Made at Knockaloe Internment Camp. The engraved design shows a cartoon of a pick-pocket and a gent with the inscription 'pocket lighter'. The domed top has an engraved views of Knockaloe Camp (dated 1919) and Peel Castle with a fishing boat.
Internees were held on the Isle of Man in two camps, a requisitioned holiday camp in Douglas and a purpose built camp located at Knockaloe near Peel on the west coast of the Island. These held at their peaks over 4,000 and 23,000 men in some cases for nearly five years between opening in 1914 and final closure in 1919. Over 30,000 men passed through Knockaloe between 1914 and 1917 more than the population of Douglas the largest town.
Measurements: overall: 7.96 cm x 2 cm
Materials: brass
Object name: cigarette lighter
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1973-0213
Subject tags : #WW1INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS