Mystery Knife ?

[JonTerry]

Hi guys,

This is coming up for Auction and although no makers mark is specified, I feel this may be worth something ??

Any help would be great.

Cheers

JT

[Samb]

Possibly a French made knife but I'm guessing.

[Ridgegrass]

Jon: Can't say anything about that piece. This is just my opinion. Often, when a knife has no markings at all it's value to most collectors is low. There are exceptions with antiques and others, but evaluating them takes a great deal of knowledge and experience. If one can't physically inspect the knife to see its metal and the quality of materials and construction , its very hard to evaluate. Modern manufacturing techniques give good fit and finish to very inexpensive knives but doesn't increase collector value. The nagging question becomes , "If this is a good knife, why didn't the maker or manufacturer care enough to give it a mark?" Again, there are well made knives out there that bear no mark but it's a risky game. My humble opinion. Good luck. J.O'.

[Mumbleypeg]

FWIW my impression, just based only on the single photo provided, is it’s a cheaply made knife. When I see a protruding pivot pin like that it’s typically an amateurly made, or cobbled knife. The lock mechanism appears to be of thin metal. Combine that with no maker’s mark…………….

JMO

Ken

[btrwtr]

Given the size (looks to be over 5" closed) and fact it has a cam lift on the backspring to unlock it makes it a pretty interesting knife. Could be Italian made. I can see some cracks in the front handle that would hurt the value. How well the knife functions can't be told from the pictures and that is important. I think collectors of big exotic clasp knives like this might have quite a bit of interest and be able to place a value if it was in hand. I've owned a few very high quality foreign made knives that were unmarked. Being unmarked doesn't ever seem to help in my experience.

Eustace might know more if he looks in.