Wheel-lock Tinder-box in form of a small case (length 3 ins) of bright steel and gilded brass; in shape an irregular elongated oval; on steel front is blued a simple floral pattern; on brass sides is engraved an elegant running pattern of flowers and foliage; the back (of plain steel) forms the hinged lid of an interior compartment intended to hold spare tinder and tiny sulphur-matches; the mechanism (all external, except the coiled spring) of bright steel, elegantly cut and engraved; a leopard's face (perhaps heraldic) engraved on sliding steel lid of cavity containing the roughened steel wheel; the key, for winding up the spring, missing; the whole apparatus intended, apparently, to fit on to a stand of some kind, which is missing; from the Collection of the late Sir Guy Laking, Bart., keeper of the King's Armoury; probably a unique piece; first quarter of 16th century. Germany.