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LOT 1871
Medieval Iron Fire Starter Group
CIRCA 15TH-18TH CENTURIES A.D.
2 - 2 3/8 in. (148 grams total, 52-62 mm).
Including fire steels of various types with ornamental shaping. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. similar specimens in PAS, LON-6357F6,LON71B542, from London in Leahy, K. and Lewis, M., Finds Identified, London, 2020, p.155.
FootnotesFire steels were used to generate a spark from a 'strike-a-light' (a piece of flint or pyrite). The spark was directed into a tinder box containing a dry, flammable material such as charred linen until a flame was kindled.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
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Anglo-Norman and Medieval Gilt Bronze Artefact Collection
6th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising: a 6th century Dark Age round gilded brooch; a 15th century medieval bronze swivel hook with domed shaped gilded top; and a 11th-12th century copper-alloy chape with plain top half, the lower part ending in a wolf’s head covered with small indentations and raised ears, with a small suspension loop on the snout. 35 grams total, 27-65 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
Most of the strap ends recovered in Britain date from the 12th century onwards, this being the period when they were widely used by both men and women. The strap end was made from various metals including bronze, copper (normally gilded, silvered or tinned) pewter, tin, silver, gold and iron. Our specimen, probably dated to 11th-12th century A.D., continue the style of the Anglo-Viking beast mounts of the previous centuries. -
Medieval Bronze Knight's Holy Sepulchre Badge
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Formed as a cross-crosslet, the symbol of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, with punched-point border, short pin to verso. 0.63 grams, 19 mm
Found Suffolk, UK.
The 'Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem' was an order of knighthood under the protection of the Pope, formed around 1099 AD by Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade. It was established for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land and was recognised by a Papal Bull in about 1113 AD. -
Medieval 'Westminster' Bronze Buckle and Plate and Lead Pilgrim's Ampulla
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Buckle with knuckles to outer edge of the loop and strap with incised tendril design; ampulla with lateral loops bent over. 63 grams total, 46-62 mm
Found Westminster, London, UK. Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.