Fire-steel

Fire-steel (length 4 1/2 ins); not pointed at bottom; turned back at top and ending in large dragon's head on very slender neck, with flowing crest and round open throat; on each side a large representation of a dragon, in relief, with parts damascened in gold; edges, back, neck, head of dragon, and other parts of surface overlaid or inlaid with gold; a panel at top, bearing an inscription in Persian, which, translated, appears to read, on one side, "Made "by Hamrah-Munkir (?)" and, on the other side "[for] Ghulam "Ali Khan [Chief or Prince] of Malpur (?)"; probably 16th or 17th century. [NB: One of 19 examples (nos. 487-505) which are all believed to be Persian or Indo-Persian and some to be very old. They are all of peculiar, but elegant, shape. Several are decorated by excellent damascene-work in gold. Together they form a handsome and interesting series which is worthy of special notice.]