The usual assumption that ancient iron artifacts containing more than about 4% of nickel were made from meteorites is examined critically, and it is suggested that in some cases the nickel may be present because a nickel-containing mineral was added to the smelt. The origin and composition of various kinds of meteorites is summarized. The metallographic structure of meteoritic iron varies according to the nickel content, and is described for the various composition ranges found. Inclusions and trace element contents are also characteristic. Published descriptions of five iron-nickel artifacts described as meteoritic are examined critically, and it is suggested that three of them were probably forged from smelted nickel-iron, one was from meteoritic iron, and one remains undecided. A plea is entered for the formation of a committee to oversee further work on objects of this type. -- AATA