Anyone seen one of these?

[bladezz]

Any info. Would be greatly appreciated. I'm attempting to help a friend identify. It's assisted open via button(lever) on handle. Blade has etching but no obvious makers mark (any where visible to me). I don't even know the style or pattern of this knife.
Thanks, Wayne

[Miller Bro's]

Folding Cutlass

[knife7knut]

Bernard Levine had an example of one of these in the 2nd(I think)edition of his guide to knives.Part of the Weibusch collection that he catalogued.Supposedly Belgian in origin.
EDIT:It is on page 279 of the 3rd edition and is in the Smithsonian Institution.

[1967redrider]

Looks German/Bavarian to me.

*edit- BL 2nd Edition Page 278. Going to post a picture.

[knife7knut]

Here is the pic from Bernard's book.

[1967redrider]

knif7 beat me, here's the verbiage to go with it.

[bladezz]

Thanks for the info. folks. Definitely heading in the right direction now!

[lt632ret]

Belgium is correct often marked Arnou Namor ( or similar I do not have time to look up spelling. This is a automatic folding calvery cutlass. Every so often in history some general or commander designs a weapon for his troops that will make them distinct and unique. Patton tried with his short bayo sword, The Ames bayonette and the Admiral de estaint folding naval knife were some examples. The object of this cutlass was to have hundreds of troops on horse back and at the command everyone hits the release button 500 blades fly open 500 giant switchblades clicking open at once had to be impressive gleaming in the sun . We all love the sound of a switchblade opening. In any event do to many reasons the design was not popular. Rivits weight , balance reliability were all reasons and if you are in a fight for your life you want a weapon you feel comfortable with. That being said for a while they were issued so they were around. During the civil war some of them found there way over here. Usually by expatriots from Europe now fighting over here. However there is one group of fighters in history for whom this knife was a favorite. You must remember human nature always remains the same. That being said then just like it is now and always has been when men gather to drink they often fight. Some groups are more rowdy than others among the worst are thieves and pirates ( often called cut throats. ) Then just like now because of alcohol patrons were told to leave there weapons outside or at the door. Just like in the wild west or anywhere else. Often times patrons would drink out of a glass bottom tankard so that they could see someone sneaking up on them . Because of this they often secreted a small weapon in the folds of there loose shirts or elsewhere in case of emergency needs. Now here was the idea the weapon. closed is about 10 to 12 inchs long open twice that. Now imagine sneaking up on a guy when he sees you in his glass, he jumps up and starts swinging his switchblade sword at you. That had to shiver your timbers. So these knives were sought after. they were much more reliable than a flintlock and just like switchblades today brought a premium price. YO HO HO and a bottle of rum. LT PS I was in a hurry today and after rereading I noticed that Iforgot to mention that your knife has been rehandled.

[edge213]

Interesting