17th-18th century
Before the invention of phosphorus matches in England in the 19th century, flint strikers were a necessary part of everyday life throughout the world. In Safavid Iran, they were made of steel in beautiful yet functional forms such as this one, with a graceful handle which fits the hand easily and the head of a dragon. Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.
12 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Lock: Leaded copper; Key: Leaded bronze
17th-20th centuryItalian?Silver
18th centuryBritishBronze
4th century BCEGreekLeaded bronze
1st millennium BCE-1st millenium CERoman?Ivory
19th centuryCeyloneseSilver
18th centuryIrishBrass with inlay
19th centuryIslamicSilver
18th centuryBritishCopper alloy
1st-4th century CERomanBone