My latest acquisition
Hi there,
I am not dead, just been having some unpleasant times but I am back again with you now.
This is to present my latest acquisition, a gift from a friend of mine whom I was able to do a big favor:
an extremely rare Austrian igniting iron, ca. 1500/early 16th century, the zoomorphic head formed like that of a serpent and punched with scales, eyes, and a mouth. Originally the snout was a bit longer and probably ended pointed but that of course has rusted away in the course of the centuries and the many alternating heats the item was exposed to.
It is shown together with better images of my other three, the dates being from top:
- 14th century, the earliest known
- ca. 1500 to early 16th century
- 1st half 16th century, actually a linstock for match
- ca. 16th to 18th century
Best,
Michael
Last edited by Matchlock; 23rd September 2009 at 04:24 PM.
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