Viking Era Iron Fire-starter, Longship (No reserve price)

Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Viking Age, rare forged iron fire-striker, formed as a stylised Viking warship or longship. The upper section is pierced with three circular openings. The pointed terminal may have served as a pick or practical aid when preparing tinder or kindling. One side is shows engraved linear decoration, consisting of shallow, irregular wavy lines. -> Fire-making was an essential part of everyday Viking life. A fire steel was normally carried together with flint and dry tinder, often in a small belt pouch. By striking the hardened edge of the steel against flint, tiny particles of iron were shaved away and heated sufficiently to ignite the tinder. Elaborately shaped examples demonstrate how even an everyday survival tool could combine practical function with distinctive craftsmanship. Length: ± 61 mm Condition: The iron displays a dark brown-black patina with areas of oxidation, surface pitting and signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher. -> Viking ships were essential to Scandinavian expansion, trade and warfare. Their long, narrow hulls and shallow draught allowed them to travel quickly across open seas while also navigating rivers and landing directly on beaches. The famous longships were especially suited to raiding and military transport, while broader vessels were used for trade and carrying cargo. Their elegant curved stems became one of the most recognisable symbols of the Viking Age. -> Using flint and iron is a primitive fire-making technique, tracing its origins to the Iron Age when iron became an accessible material. Dry and easily combustible material (tinder) was set on fire by using the sparks created by striking a piece of flint on the iron. This very efficient technique was widely employed for many centuries. The invention of matches rendered the flint and steel method obsolete.

Estimation:€210

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