Fire-steel (length 3 1/4 ins) of fairly-thick metal

Fire-steel (length 3 1/4 ins) of fairly-thick metal; in form of a sacred ibis, with long downward-curved bill; small swivelled suspension-ring on back; curved breast of bird forms striking edge; decorated similarly on both sides; feathers of wing represented by engraved lines; a conventional pattern of running foliage on breast; chief lines, especially those of head and neck, inlaid with gold; eyes represented by small turquoises inserted in gold eyelids; probably 16th 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.]