Medieval Iron Hand-forged fire striker / fire steel - 9.5 cm
02
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€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Hand-forged medieval fire striker made of iron, dating to the 11th–14th century, with dimensions 9.5 x 4.5 x 0.6 cm and a weight of 33.12 g, in intact condition and authentic, acquired in 2026 from a private collection in the Netherlands.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This is a hand-forged medieval fire striker (also known as fire steel), dating from the 11th to 14th century. This is a tool that was used from antiquity into the Middle Ages to make fire.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 4.5 x 0.6 cm
Weight: 33.12 grams
Condition: intact - conserved
When the straight, hardened steel face is struck with a quick downward motion against a sharp flint, the stone microscopically loosens tiny iron particles. Through friction these particles ignite directly in the air and form hot sparks. These sparks are caught with tinder (such as char cloth or tinder fungus) to create a glowing ember.
This specific model with the gracefully curved, slender ends (curling tips) is based on traditional early medieval and Viking designs. The loops at the ends serve not only as decoration, but also ensure you can hold the fire striker comfortably and securely with your fingers without injuring yourself while striking.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or UPS using Catawiki's Smart Shipping
This is a hand-forged medieval fire striker (also known as fire steel), dating from the 11th to 14th century. This is a tool that was used from antiquity into the Middle Ages to make fire.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 4.5 x 0.6 cm
Weight: 33.12 grams
Condition: intact - conserved
When the straight, hardened steel face is struck with a quick downward motion against a sharp flint, the stone microscopically loosens tiny iron particles. Through friction these particles ignite directly in the air and form hot sparks. These sparks are caught with tinder (such as char cloth or tinder fungus) to create a glowing ember.
This specific model with the gracefully curved, slender ends (curling tips) is based on traditional early medieval and Viking designs. The loops at the ends serve not only as decoration, but also ensure you can hold the fire striker comfortably and securely with your fingers without injuring yourself while striking.
Shipping method: this lot is excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or UPS using Catawiki's Smart Shipping
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
11e t/m 14e eeuw
Name of object
Hand-forged fire striker / fire steel
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Iron
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
9.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1971
Width
4.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Depth
0.6 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
