Unknown origin leverlock

[Wharnecilff]

I picked this up at an estate sale. Looks like maybe of Chinese orign but no 'made in China ' stamp anywhere. .some very proud pins but it does work..either never sharpened or poorly sharpened .very dull blade. Has dragon figure on lever side and bull fighter scene on opposite side. Opinions on it's origins/date?Friday 10/19/18..ok added some images to show the handle designs and blade Tang marking..hope that helps

[TwoFlowersLuggage]

Are there any markings on the tang or blade? A close-up of them might be helpful.

[TazmanTom18]

Generally referred to as "Mexican" because of designs in handle. Tourist knives, I believe, made in China (ish). One on All about pocket knives at $95. Some recent collectibility in market. IMO, Taz

[Wharnecilff]

Thanks for the info Tazman. I don't plan to hang on to it so it's in play.

[samb1955]

I heard they were made in Japan and sold in Mexico for the tourist trade.

[knife7knut]

I heard they were made in Japan and sold in Mexico for the tourist trade.

I would concur;most of the ones I have seen were made in Japan.Here is one that is not an auto but looks to have the same handles.

[Wharnecilff]

Thanks for the info! Japan? Hmm ..seems like pretty shoddy workmanship for Japanese construction...I would have thought Maybe Chinese..mayhaps Hong Kong?

[knife7knut]

Thanks for the info! Japan? Hmm ..seems like pretty shoddy workmanship for Japanese construction...I would have thought Maybe Chinese..mayhaps Hong Kong?

You have to understand that when this knife was produced(likely in the 1950's-1960's)Japanese knife quality was nothing like what it is today. They didn't start coming into their own until at least the mid 1970's.

[Captain O]

Those were made in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s. I had a "Bullfighter" (7" OAL) that had a green background. These knives were rather poorly made, but were good for "click therapy" until the release pin on the blade wore out and the blade wouldn't stay closed.