The Maltese Falcon: Was there a real falcon?

Cafe Society
1

I haven’t read the book, but I love the movie version of The Maltese Falcon.

I was hoping someone might be able to enlighten me regarding whether (within the terms of the story, not in real life) there was a real Maltese falcon or was it just a legend.?

2

In the context of the story, yes, the Falcon was a real object. Or, to be more exact, Gutman and the others looking for it certainly believed it to be a real object and one that still existed, although the novel presents no actual evidence for it outside their stories.

3

I always assumed there was, but I haven’t read the book. Of course, wether or not Gutman and his buddies would have ever found it(assuming they are to be arrested before they leave town) is doubtful.