EXTREMELY Rare Gun Lighter Restoration, World War II - D-day 1944!

Rare Gun Lighter Restoration from World War II - D-day 1944! This time I repair and restore a very cool war relic built of .50 Cal cartridges by a soldier during WW II.
About the rare .50 Cal gun lighter
This is a very special and cool looking war relic from the World War 2. It’s found by a metal detecting group in France and giving to me to restore. Its made out of .50 Cal machineguns cartridges and it looks very cool. The lighter is made of a brass base and old copper cartridges dated 1942 and 1943. The .50 Cal ammunition was mostly used in the browning machineguns during WW2.
THE RESTORATION PROCESS
I started cleaning the lighter to get an overview of damages so I could plan the restoration. Then I continued by detaching all the lighter parts which was soldered on the lighter frame: the trigger, the trigger guard and the copper cartridges.
I cleaned the gun frame and the copper cartridges in my sandblaster using very fine aluminum beads together with low air pressure. Just to avoid unnecessary damage to the restoration project.
There were a lot of dents and scratches on the lighter parts but overall a very fine condition after all these years on in the ground. I also gave the parts a light hand grinding with some high 1500 grit sandpaper. I polished all the parts but I managed to keep the old look of the lighter still preserve some of the wear and tear on the lighter.
All the small parts was in my mini tumbler using aluminum oxide as my media.
When all the parts was cleaned I soldered it all together and added lighter fluid cotton, a new wick, flint and flint spring to the project. And finished by making a new wick lid from a .308 Winchester hunting bullet
I really think this restoration video turned out very good. Please subscribe if you want to see more cool upcoming projects 🙂 And DON’T FORGET TO SEE my F-4 PHANTOM II Aircraft Restoration - • F-4 PHANTOM II Aircraf... 👈
Thanks for watching my channel. See you soon.
Best wishes and stay safe ❤ Martin.

[@derandere4965]

Symbol: Shoulder badge „Big Red One“, US 1st Infantry Division. They were the first US unit to land in Sicily and, later, on the Normandy beaches. Generally, they made it a bad habit to be the first EVERYHWERE, and that would include the city of Aachen, the first German city to be occupied by the Western Allies.

[@nicholasemerson9852]

My old unit in Afghanistan

[@davidjohnston330]

And a fantastic movie staring Lee Marvin.

[@derandere4965]

@@nicholasemerson9852. good you made it out alive.

[@saveliymirnyy]

Он их сам делает старыми и зелёными. У него все видео такие. Все что он ремонтирует все пузырями пошло зелёное. Химическаяа я реакция. А не природа. Обман зрителя

[@jaredsmidt6346]

The Big Red 1 out Ft. Riley, Kansas.

[@raserus]

John D. would be proud to see how his lighter was brought back to life. Stellar work.

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

Would be awesome if he or a relative saw this

[@Fishmoalapaix]

I Wonder how many John D. were on Omaha Beach and if internet foes could find his children/grand children.

[@madmax82988]

You don't know that.

[@Einherjar_17]

Usually in that environment "Jhon D." is for "Jhon Doe", also known as an anonymous person, or someone "without a name." He means that this item has no owner, the owner is whoever finds it, something logical in that place and in those times, it must have passed through many hands...

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thank you so much ❤️ :)

[@Lighthawk_Demon]

I think we should all take a moment to honor and thank John D. for his service, and possibly his sacrifice. Thank you sir for serving and/or your sacrifice for the greater good of this world. God Bless You!!! 🇺🇸🗽

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

Salute

[@Bl0ckfett]

I don't think so. You Americans think you make the world better. The only thing you can make is war. And I don't remember WWII.

[@scottenglert4083]

I was young enough growing up to not really appreciate it but eventually learned of the significance of our quiet, old guy neighbor - one summer in the 1980s he and his wife took a trip to Europe (they *never* traveled)... My mom told me - they are going to a reunion / ceremony... turns out he was a medic with the Big Red One - followed Patton & Bradley around - Africa... Italy...D-Day...Battle of the Bulge. He lived a long but I'd guess also an at least somewhat troubled life after 1945. I've lived in reverence of him ever since I learned as a young teenager more about what his service involved...

[@monicagooch5906]

I always taught my children to never just see an old person as an old person and nothing else - they always have a history to be told, and some of them would put us all to shame. I'm happy to say my children treat elderly people with respect, regardless of who they are.

[@SesshouFan22]

@@monicagooch5906 I used to tell my brothers a lot of those old guys and gals were once more badass than most of us could ever hope to be.

[@KamshotUshatPomoev]

👍👍👍⭐⭐⭐ Если бы не вы,то никто.

[@KamshotUshatPomoev]

​@@monicagooch5906они ни когда бы вас не опозорили.

[@user-wl5qj5fq2n]

Excellent, as usual. This is not a job, this is the art.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@user-bf8zp3xu5x]

Täyttä taidetta. Mestarin työtä.

[@4551...]

Мастер, ты молодец, красавчик, ЛУЧШИЙ!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ОФИГЕННАЯ РАБОТА!!!!!!!! 🥇🥇🥇✔️✔️✔️

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊❤

[@sir-ht4pj8nm1l]

Nothing more satisfying than a clean restoration 👌

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks, glad you think so

[@mjb12141963]

They were called the Greatest Generation. Not to take anything away from what those men and women did at home and abroad, but the men and women who have fought and died and been injured over the last 2 or 3 decades are pretty badass too. I want to say a huge Thanks with tears of gratitude for all those who fought, died, or were injured physically and, or emotionally to make America and the rest of the world a little safer from the bad people who seek to take advantage of others. Happy Memorial Day to all who served.

[@user-ms3fs2dp3g]

Марти, Вы - отличный мастер! С удовольствием смотрю все Ваши видео, спасибо.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much I really appreciate it 😊

[@masstrapper7645]

That is the emblem of the big red 1. Man you get some of the coolest WW2 artifacts. Another fantastic job. 👍👍

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot I really appreciat it 😊

[@user-ii6dl4vr2g]

Здравствуй, дорогой друг. Давно не имел возможности посмотреть твои видео,так как уже год на войне. Пошёл добровольцем. Не устаю восхищаться твоим мастерством,твоими чудесными руками, которые творят искусство возрождения. Всех благ тебе,и побольше интересных находок и реставраций.

[@Nikolay06]

Как всегда супер! А музыка в конце создает волнительный момент! Очень круто! Всегда с удовольствием смотрю Ваши реставрации! Спасибо!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much for watching I really appreciate it

[@GraemeBurgess1]

i bet that lighter could tell some stories, imagine the history. Such a great restoration as usual

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words 👌

[@captbriansbees]

Lost my father in law 2 years ago, he was Big Red 1 during Vietnam. Thank you for this video. Btw, his name was Martin too.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

sorry to hear that you lost him 😢

[@user-eg3yv3xr7s]

I'm quite certain that the person who created this device all those years ago, is happy to see how you have given his creation a new life.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

I really hope so

[@dragonmaid1360]

Its possibly hes already passed but wouldnt it be neat to find the family?

[@stewwilliams1537]

What an honor to restore such items of historic value. Truly a calling on your part. Thank you for your craft sir, job well done.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much for watching 😊

[@tomswindler64]

As always you have outdone yourself,great restoration.nice way to honor the military veterans from the past.great video.just keep on doing what you do best.😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much for watching I really appreciate it 😊

[@russhoffman6301]

The logo on the grip is for the US Army's 1st Infantry Division

[@warheader-gaming5462]

I'm not the only person who was thinking that too ( 2:31)

[@brandonkoblens4832]

Known as the "Big Red One"

[@jorgeandreszanocchi6485]

Outstanding work Martin. Always respecting lost war veteran's belongings. As a veteran myself, I thank you for these restorations.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much for watching I am really happy you like what I do 😊

[@FerSniper]

Лучший, спасибо за потраченное время!!! Здоровья тебе и твоей семье!!!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much

[@ThatRasinger26]

Am I the only one who noticed the doll blink? 😂😂

[@singaroy1124]

Found your comment. I'm not the only one

[@smn_brice4081]

Ah je suis pas fou 😱

[@heyboo1954]

What min

[@ThatRasinger26]

​@@heyboo1954 11.43 or there abouts

[@bulentilhangoncaloglu1756]

After all, war is not good. This is a lighter with bad memories. Thank you for restoring it to remind us how beautiful peace is. You did another great job. In the meantime, you need to hire and train an apprentice... These restoration works must continue after you are gone... Let me remind you... 😉

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks for your comment I appreciate it 😊

[@ArthurShelby...]

Nice video of preserving this piece of art from WWII...

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks so much glad you think so 😊

[@cathybenson5119]

Wow. I wonder if John D of Omaha is still alive. Or his family.

[@brucemitchell5637]

I was thinking the same thing! It would be nice if his family could see what he made!

[@Hargravity]

I'd like to see a video of how they make them look old and damaged before they "restore" them.

[@My_Op]

The John D. Omaha 44 at the end is a silly joke: John Doe, Omaha Beach, 1944. Most of his viewers aren't that bright 🙂

[@abellos]

Martin, i like how u start from a piece of garbage and transform it into a shiny item! god job as usual

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@nickmaylock94]

Шикарная, тонкая работа! Спасибо за видео! Вы лучший!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@alinka1776]

Пескоструйная обработка это просто фантастика какая-то ❤❤❤

[@AwesomeRestorations]

yes I think so too 😊

[@mattvermillion6062]

Beautiful restoration. Thank you. Now, go enjoy a beer. ;)

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks so much Matt. Yes will do - cheers 🍻

[@andybrooks7228]

They made a movie about the 1st infantry division based on Samuel Fuller's experience during WW2. The movie was made in 1980 and starred Lee Marvin and Mark Hamill. The 1st infantry division was known as the big red one which is also the name of the movie.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot for info 👍👍

[@TemplarsatAcre]

Well done Martin. Another master class of restoration. Youve done John D proud. And thankyou John D for your service.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot - I hope so 😊

[@klio_dm2507]

Реставрация удалась на славу. Спасибо за видео. Воскресенье получилось интересное😊

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you very much for watching 😊

[@A.R.C.77]

Dam that a cool lighter

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot

[@hairychest7865]

Good job as always Martin

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@user-wv3wl9tb6g]

Очень красивая зажигалка.Вы как всегда лучше всех.Продолжайте свое любимое дело и радуйте нас дальше,прекрасной реставрацией старых вещей

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much I really appreciate it 😊

[@Serzh_Molotov]

Отличная работа, благодарю за вашу работу.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks so much 😊

[@scotty2735]

That's the Big Red 1, I very rough and tough US army unit

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks for info 👍

[@allanpullin7435]

1st Army corps

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks for info 😊

[@g.n.n.-shorts]

Отличная работа, как всегда прекрасный результат.👍👍👍

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot

[@mullerpotgieter]

A true preservation of history

[@juliocesarfonsecagarciaces8845]

Dear friend, you never cease to surprise me with your magnificent videos, not only because of the work of art that you bring back to life, but also because of the quality of your audiovisual, my respects to you, I only have the doubt that you have with the restored objects.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much I am really happy that you like what I do. I keep the restored objects :)

[@blazewolf9038]

really miss watching ur episodes always a good way to end the nite

[@andregatinhobrancomiau]

The soldier would say to you now: Your restoration work deserves a medal of recognition for the beautiful work done 🎖️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😌😉✌🏻

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much for your comment, I am glad you think so 😊

[@kizlok73]

Hello Martin, I'm currently cleaning out my micro workshop and I took a break because I was a bit fascinated by the number of things I have, I came across your new video and I got new energy, great greetings and thank you🙋🏻‍♂️ cheers 🍻

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Ha ha a good break once in awhile is good Tomasz. Have a great day and enjoy the sunny day ☀️🍺 cheers from Sweden

[@juanpablolopez8585]

This is amazing, it's a piece of history, thank you for come to life again.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rohitshukla9756]

Total transformation 😀 Martin, you are a magician ❤️

[@AwesomeRestorations]

many thanks my friend 😊

[@loverofniteghostfreak364]

Holy talk about being blown away...u did a fantastic job wow

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much

[@michaelmcdonnell5998]

All the guys must have had a laugh when John D lit their smokes with that! The greatest generation ♥️

[@AwesomeRestorations]

yes I think so too ❤😊

[@sandiearmagost2914]

It’s amazing how fast sandblasting brings it back to life. As always! brilliant work!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

sandblasting is really king 😊

[@pieter6615]

One of the best renovations of lighters I've seen on KZbin👍🙂

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@crazycarl9484]

Never get bored of these restorations a true artist. Thanks for sharing

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot for watching 😊

[@nathandieatrick7117]

You're my favorite restoration page, that extra love and passion you put into your work always makes me happy especially when you restore old personal military items

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much I am really glad you think so 😊

[@desavage9156]

Очередной кусочек истории выдернут из лап забвения 👍Есть только небольшое замечание, при работе стамеской или заточенным шпателем, рабочий ход инструмента должен быть от себя и пальцы перед инструментом лучше не держать😊 Говорю как специалист по охране труда с многолетним стажем☝

[@erobinson55]

Great work as always. I'd like to thank John D. for his service.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot for your comment 😊

[@famasmaster2000]

Wow is all that can be said!! Absolutely magnificent 👌

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thank you so much 😀

[@twm929]

Your restoration was a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much for watching 😊

[@user-wr3od1dc4z]

Шикарная работа. Мастеру респект 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@TrueThiago]

Beautiful! 👏 Rio de Janeiro - 🇧🇷

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much

[@derrickcordick1315]

Beautiful job bring back a piece of history you should be proud 👏

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much I really appreciate it 😊

[@mikecon7634]

That first vise needs an awesome restoration!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

yes - agree 😂

[@Charlielizard]

Now, this was truly an Awesome Restoration! Big Red 1; or, First Infantry Division, founded in 1917. Still in awe at how you restored a fantastic piece of history. Thank you for a wonderful video.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@iliketocomment8144]

That lighter is beautiful and badass.👏🫡

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks I think so too

[@Rick40867]

Ultimate This is called Art

[@AwesomeRestorations]

many thanks 😊

[@alexmeza392]

Just today I was at the dentist. I greatly value the detailed and precise work that is your profession and your work here. Very interesting restoration with such valuable companies of birds and crickets. Thank you!! 🍻

[@AwesomeRestorations]

ha ha ... Alex. Hope that you have a nice dentist - Thanks - Glad you enjoyed it - Have a great day, cheers from Sweden 🍺😉👌❤️

[@stevenvaughn1679]

The best one on the tube, you the man

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much Steven

[@donaldevans5752]

What a brilliant restoration , you are a star , an artist at work . I just love the flip bench it is fantastic .

[@w00dm31st3r]

Sandblasting and polishing look very satisfying

[@AwesomeRestorations]

I think so too 😊

[@-Cece]

The Solider looking on at 3:04 got me. Thank you for the video.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks for watching 😊

[@Georgelyda]

Big Red One. I really enjoyed this rescue. Looks stunning now. I appreciate your videos.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot for your comment 😊

[@TTalksVA]

Cool that you use the very thing that made it be in this state to begin with to clean it, very cool indeed

[@jamiemorgan4146]

Thanks Martin… Always great 👍🏻 😊

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tarantulcyborg7859]

Просто шикарная работа. Браво, мастер! Всегда жду новые видео. Спасибо большое за классный контент ❤

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@p1chenika]

We need a video of the restoration of your vise!!!!

[@marklong930]

I wish I could like this many times over. What a fantastic restoration of a unique piece of trench art. I love your lighter restorations, especially the military ones.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊😊

[@silentvoice5052]

Самое невероятное что я видел. Работа бомбическая👍👍👍Супер мастер-фломастер🙂

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@Einherjar_17]

Excellent reconstruction, a pleasure to see you gentleman, the symbol is for the US 1st Infantry Division, and the name means "anonymous", that is what "Jhon D."/"Jhon Doe" really means, hug from southern Argentina my brother .

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks so much for your comment 😊😊

[@Tim-57]

Beautiful.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@jackfruitearth702]

This is a beautiful way to show tribute to John D and his unit.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks glad you think so

[@gaborkeszthelyi8519]

OMG.Amazing Work.Respect

[@AwesomeRestorations]

many thanks 😊

[@5.56Media]

"Big Red One" ... Amazing!!!!!!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot

[@anthonybrau7399]

Wow...beautiful restoration.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thank you very much!

[@user-gy7vy6ud9t]

Как всегда. Очень красивое и интересное видео. Автор большой молодец!!!👍🏻

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much 😊

[@cytorack]

Simply awesome 👏🏻

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@stevenhill1954]

Always look forward to your restoration project's. I will enjoy a cigar and watch. Thank you for sharing.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much Steven 😊

[@markfigueroa1681]

Thanks for going back to the ambient background sounds. It helps me sleep

[@AwesomeRestorations]

You're welcome 😊

[@dragonmaid1360]

So beautifully restored. ❤

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thank you! 😊

[@caroledunne2667]

You are amazing. I look at this and see something that is totally irretrievable. You look at it and see a thing of beauty that you can restore. Kudos to you from MamaCard.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much ❤

[@tonymcnamara9368]

Another brilliant restoration video from AR!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Glad you liked it!

[@sieniol92]

That looks majestic ❤

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks, glad you think so :)

[@RmsdenK]

Fantastic job Martin

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks a lot

[@Comrade_Colonel77]

Great job, Martin! Bravo!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

many thanks

[@brianbloom1799]

Dude You are a True Artist, Great restore Like always, God Bless

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks so much

[@5150SofakingLameFTP]

That's super cool it's a golf club from a1 iron from back then super cool

[@wyomingsundays]

Absolutely incredible, well done sir. 👍 Respect to you and that lighter.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

many thanks

[@alanbradley4401]

A beautiful piece of history. There must be something special in handling something that is rich in history. Keep up the great videos my friend.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you so much for your comment 😊😊

[@80GhostDog]

Just beautiful! Great work.

[@AwesomeRestorations]

many thanks

[@alanhaynes1054]

Wow!! Such beautiful work as always Martin! Can’t wait for next one!

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks so much glad you liked it 😊

[@undergoddess]

another glorious one ❤

[@AwesomeRestorations]

Thank you so much :)

[@ianlinera1376]

That's beautiful

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thank you

[@Rukyr99]

Oh man, that soldering was stellar 👍

[@AwesomeRestorations]

thanks glad you think so 😊