Museum: Engraved Steel Firebox, 17th Century, Battering Lighter

Beautiful object!
Indestructible iron box, size and shape of a Louis XIII pocket snuffbox, rectangular with cut sides, thick and heavy, it closes by rotating its shaped lid, well sealed.
Its two long, massive sides are grooved, because they serve as hammer to make spark fly from flint stones. Tow, very flammable, was nestled inside with flints and primers.
Bottom and lid are decorated with acid-etched decoration, flowers and foliage.
These fire boxes were mainly used by military, the one in Louvre (from oval engraved iron) is decorated with a grenade on middle of flowers (MRR 50).
7.5cm x 4.8cm, weight: 120g.
Condition: good, some wear to fine engraving, no flaws, no missing parts.
I have not found it in documentation, it must be rare.
- eclectic - antique dealers since 1970, Siret: FR 24.430113233.
Invoice and Certificate are attached to each of our shipments.