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LOT 1889
Medieval Iron Fire Starter Group
CIRCA 11TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 - 3 1/2 in. (165 grams total, 55-88 mm).
Including fire steels of various types with ornamental shaping. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. for similar Viking Iron fire starter Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.144 (no.3a-3b-6).
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
AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Iron Knife with Bronze Pommel
Circa 1500 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising a single cutting edge and scale tang, bifacial pommel incised with a female figure possibly holding an arrow to one face and what is apparently a mythical beast or other animal to the other. 23 grams, 18.7 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
Examining the medieval miniatures, the knives were diagonally suspended, but the vertical suspension was the most common method in all periods. With the contrivance of an additional inner scabbard it was possible to carry more than one knife. -
Medieval Bronze Ring Brooch Collection
13th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Including penannular type with beast-head finials, braided wreath and other types. 19.3 grams total, 21-33 mm
Acquired on the European art market since the early 2000s. From the private Northern Ireland collection of R.M. -
Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
11th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Including two with disc bezel and geometric ornament, and other types. 18.4 grams total, 19-27 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.