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Lot 1611 ♣ - S20 An important private collection of antique cutlery - Thursday, 21. March 2024, 10.00 AM

KNIFE WITH HARPY ATTACHMENT

French, last quarter of the 16th century..
Carved iron handle, the middle section decorated with four small, riveted coral plates. The handle end in the shape of a capital, crowned by a fully sculpted sphinx or harpy. Shaped blade bolster in the form of a capital. Blade tip on the cutting edge. The base of the blade engraved with foliage and gilt.
L 19 cm.
For the exportation of this item a CITES license is required. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country. For further information please contact the department.


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. Kostbare Bestecke für die Kunstkammern Europas. Munich, 2010. p. 55/56. In contrast to the item on offer, the figure cited is depicted with shortened wings and lion's feet. For another related essay figure, see: Arthur Pabst. Die Kunstsammlungen Richard Zschille in Grossenhain, Besteck-Sammlung Speise- Tisch- Gärtner-Geräte und Werkzeuge. Berlin. 1893, pl. 4, fig. 21.

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. Kostbare Bestecke für die Kunstkammern Europas. Munich, 2010. p. 55/56. In contrast to the item on offer, the figure cited is depicted with shortened wings and lion's feet. For another related essay figure, see: Arthur Pabst. Die Kunstsammlungen Richard Zschille in Grossenhain, Besteck-Sammlung Speise- Tisch- Gärtner-Geräte und Werkzeuge. Berlin. 1893, pl. 4, fig. 21.

CHF 1 000 / 1 500 | (€ 1 030 / 1 550)

Sold for CHF 3 000 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.