Ave!
Avar, Steppe Nomads, Fire Striker, Zoomorphic, Reclining Stag ca. 6th - 8th Cent AD
Copper alloy/ 45mm/6.7gm
Con/ As cast; Dark green and glossy patina. Residual traces of the iron striker that would have been soldered below the stag.
Description/ The figure of the reclining stag is simply magnificent with circle-and-dot patterns on both sides, as seen in the photo. The zoomorphic stag is certainly in steppe nomadic style (Avars/Scythians et al) and would have been precious item for the owner.
Seller's Note - Such zoomorphic open-work strikers are extremely rare, especially unbroken, as is our's.