ENGRAVING WITH AMBER INLAY IN THE FORM OF A WOMAN'S BUST North German or Dutch, 1st third of the 17th century. Edged and ribbed amber grip, handle end in the shape of a carved female bust. Pointed iron blade on the back. L 16.6 cm. Blade corroded and worn. Repaired cracks in the amber. Losses to the ruff and face of the figure. Button finial missing. A comparable variant of an amber grip with a female bust facing left can be found in the collection of the German Blade Museum Solingen (inv. no. L.170). For a male profile in amber, see also in the Hermitage St. Petersburg (inv. no. 13728).