c.1931+ Scrapbook Cover with Winged Golden Creature - what is it?

Does anyone know what the winged creature is on this scrapbook cover? The scrapbook cover comes from Robert H. Brackenridge/Frank Zimmerer who worked together in Los Angeles starting around 1931. It has an Aquarius label with their names on it (close up below). The cover appears to be a hand chased board with the creature, with metal (magnetic) studs, surrounded by a paper mache/cardboard material. It weighs a bit over 4 pounds and measures 16-1/2 inches high by 14 inches wide (overall). What we have is just the covers. On the inside, there are a couple of heavy stock colored sheets, but with no content. Thanks! ... Dave

 

It is a chimera of some sort, somewhat Pegasus like but with loads of artistic licence. I do not think it 'is' anything specific.

 

I like it! ):

 

Thank you afantiques!

 

Scrapbooks are something I watch for, and have a few, but nothing with a cover like this.

 

Yes, quite unusual. I've never seen one like it before. The seller had it labeled as c.1910 scrapbook, but I don't think the date is correct, based on the label and when Zimmerer and Brackenridge worked together.

 

He's not really very well rendered, but my vote would be for a winged ox.

The winged ox is a symbol of St. Luke the Evangelist; "the ox, recognized as the animal of sacrifice, was applied to St. Luke because his Gospel emphasizes the atonement made by Christ's sacrifice of himself on the Cross." (quoting the Catholic Dictionary).

Perhaps could be a Lamassu; usually shown with a human head, wings, and the body of an ox or lion; a Pegasus should be a winged horse, and this doesn't look that much like a horse; a gryphon should have lion legs in the rear, eagle legs and wings in the front. Doesn't really fit any of those very well.
Hard to tell, but my vote would be for a winged ox.

 

Could it be a desk blotter or one of those folders secretaries bring your letters to sign in?.

 

A winged ox fits well - I found this image on google:
https://www.google.com/search?biw=1...l7qDgCA&emsg=NCSR&noj=1#imgrc=jOTx0hIpm3_1YM:
The tail is different, but the position of the feet, head, and studded band at the neck all match.