Fire-steel (length 3 3/4 ins) of very thick metal; very wide (1 1/2 in) at bottom

Fire-steel (length 3 3/4 ins) of very thick metal; very wide (1 1/2 in) at bottom, tapering rapidly upwards; sides curiously grooved and perforated; top turned back and ending, on a level with the bottom, in a large conventionalized dragon's head, boldly crested, with large round open throat, but tongue missing; probably 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.]