The lighter was invented before the matches.

The report published by the Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver and History of Matches confirms the lighter was invented before matches.

The report published by the Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver and History of Matches confirms the lighter was invented before matches.As per the ASCAS's online report, the first lighters were invented by the German chemist Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner in the year 1823 (16th century) and were called Döbereiner Lamp. This lighter made by a reaction of hydrogen to a platinum sponge. The History of Match article also briefed that due to the high risk, they allowed its production only in limited quantities during its lifetime from 1823 to the end of the 19th century.

The BBC news article has stated that in 1826, John Walker, a chemist in Stockton on Tees, discovered a stick coated with chemicals that burst into flame. He sold his first Friction Light on the 12 April 1827 from his pharmacy in Stockton on Tees. Walker's first friction matches were made of cardboard. Therefore, the lighter was invented in 1823 (3 years) before the matchsticks.

The report published by the Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver and History of Matches confirms the lighter was invented before matches.