OYSTER KNIFE French, 17th century. Heart-shaped, open-worked brass handle, the sickle-shaped single-edged blade engraved with leafy vines and flowers and inscribed "VIVE LE ROY". Forge mark in the shape of a key. L 12.8 cm. Blade somewhat corroded. This example probably mentioned in: South Kensington Museum. Illustrated Catalogue of a Collection of Ancient Cutlery lent by M. Achille Jubinal to the South Kensington Museum. London, 1874. no. 222 (without illus.). An identical oyster knife with the inscription "Vive le Roy" illustrated in: Magasin pittoresque, 1879, published by: Célestin Mira, "Chroniques du temps passé", 16 September 2013.