PRELIMINARY KNIFE French, 16th century. Bevelled iron handle tapering to the blade bolster and engraved with flowers and leafy vines. Bevelled and stepped finial with engraved rosette. Edged and grooved grip chape. Rectangular, broad blade with decoration in the shape of lions, instruments, a helmet and tendrils. Round opening at the front of the blade. L 34.7 cm. Traces of corrosion. Rubbed. Partially heavily abraded.