4th-15th century AD. An iron fire steel; 'handle' formed as horse with two heads, erect ears, textured mane, ring-and-dot eyes, ring-and-dot motif to body; standing on platform displaying border with ring-and-dot in each of three scalloped sections; design replicated on both faces of item; on one head muzzle features an articulated pin, a ring-and-dot to each of the faces of the central cube, attachment lug with series of chain links. Cf. G. Zahlhaas., et al., Rom und Byzanz Archäologische Kostbarkeiten aus Bayern, Germany, 1998, p.148, for a similar animal form dating to the 6th century. 54 grams, 62mm (2 1/2"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired on the UK art market since 2011; previously in English collections since before 2000.