Viking and Later Fire-Striker Collection. 11th-15th century A.D. Comprising: two galley-shaped firesteels each with a core formed as looped corrugations in a sturdy frame with one scrolled end and flat underside for the striking face; fragment of a similar item formed as an advancing horse with saddle; mounted on a custom-made stand. See Cacciandra, V. & Cesati, A., Fire Steels, Turin, 1996; cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.144. 523 grams total, 2.9-13.2 cm (1 1/8 - 5 1/4 in.). [4]

Acquired on the London art market, 1990s. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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: