KNIFE WITH HARPY ATTACHMENT French, last quarter of the 16th century. Multiple indented, carved iron handle, the centre section inlaid with four small, riveted coral plates. The end of the grip in the shape of a capital, enthroned by a fully sculpted sphinx or harpy. Blade bolster moulded and in the shape of a capital. Pointed blade with a ridge on the cutting side. The base of the blade engraved with foliage and gilt. L 19 cm. Corroded and with signs of ageing, gilding rubbed. Cf. for a handle from the same period with a comparable structure and characteristic top figure in the form of a sphinx on a Corinthian capital: Georg Laue. Precious cutlery for the art chambers of Europe. Munich, 2010. p. 55/56. In contrast to ours, the figure cited is depicted with shortened wings and lion's feet. For another related figure, see: Arthur Pabst. The Richard Zschille Art Collections in Grossenhain, Cutlery Collection Dining, Table, Gardening Utensils and Tools. Berlin. 1893, plate 4, fig. 21.