Trying to correctly identify this blade

[dbe4876]

I inherited a box of knives from an uncle and this switchblade was one of them. Haven't really touched it yet to recondition or clean. Blade seems to indicate an Italian manufacturer named "E.MLTENBERG Inc." I've seen others on boards say its "MILTENBERG," so maybe that is correct.

The blade seems to be in nice condition. No surface rust at all. The action is stiff - have to press pretty hard for the blade to pop out. But once it releases it does so very nicely. One of the handle covers is a little warped.

What's the "best practices" for this kind of knife? Should I try to remove that handle cover and sand down the middle to get a good flat fit? That would probably also mean replacing the handle rivets. Should I work on the blade to remove scratches and buff it up? What kind of condition do collectors of these types of knives look for? Thanks much!

[Pile Driver]

It looks good to me, I wouldn't do anything with it. It's an early New York City brand importer. A nice and rare one. The daylight between the scales and the liners has more to do with a slightly bent liner but if it doesn't impinge the spring/blade from firing I would leave it be. Some people apply a product called renaissance wax to the horn handles, you can wipe it down with this product an a clean rag until the surface dirt stops coming off on the rag.

its got an early dovetail spring and predates the NYC ban of 1953. Those original handles are very important to the value of the knife

the tarnish on the nickel silver bolsters is indicative of it being stored with a celluloid scaled pocket knife which has emitted a corrosive gas, called "off gassing" you should store this knife away from any of the other knives you've inherited. I would also be happy to help give information on the other knives you mentioned if you want to message me.

Nice old piece, leave it alone regardless if you keep it yourself or plan on reselling it. I would be interested if you decide to sell one day.

[Killgar]

Any alterations you make to the knife could, and likely will, significantly reduce it's value.

My advice is that you contact Bill DeShivs and inquire about having him restore it for you. Mr. DeShivs is a well-known and highly respected expert in repairing and restoring old Italian stilettos (among other things). He is a member here, and he has a website- billdeshivs.com

I would also recommend that you not continue to fire the knife. Seeing as how it has firing issues, each time you force it to fire you are increasing your chances of causing damage.

It is a rare brand like Pile Driver says.

[tenntuxedo]

.... A very nice example of an early 1950's Italian S/B... beautiful two-tone scales... blade appears to have some scratches, but cannot tell if it has been sharpened ... as Danny said, it has the dovetailed kick spring... look inside the button side and see if there are "D shaped" holes under the button area... many collectors like knives that are untouched, but personally I like the patina and honest use of these knives,,,... store it open, and do not open and close too much... I have found that a shot of WD40 in the button hole and safety slide will help loosen the action.. also at the blade pivot pin ... always wipe down good and leave no residue... put me in line behind Danny if you want to let it go...

[dbe4876]

.... A very nice example of an early 1950's Italian S/B... beautiful two-tone scales... blade appears to have some scratches, but cannot tell if it has been sharpened ... as Danny said, it has the dovetailed kick spring... look inside the button side and see if there are "D shaped" holes under the button area... many collectors like knives that are untouched, but personally I like the patina and honest use of these knives,,,... store it open, and do not open and close too much... I have found that a shot of WD40 in the button hole and safety slide will help loosen the action.. also at the blade pivot pin ... always wipe down good and leave no residue... put me in line behind Danny if you want to let it go...

Thanks for the good and helpful information! Unfortunately, I have come to realize that by virtual of living in "police state" Minnesota, my options for selling this lovely knife are severely hampered. Still, very nice to find out more about this knife. I watched a helpful video today that gave me a new appreciation for this knife as a piece of historic craftsmanship (https://youtu.be/WEpWtx1a6VQ?si=ryExieonMUgYeARG).

[jw517]

Since you live in my neighboring state I don’t think you are to have it at all. It’s funny but I’ve bought more switchblades from Mn. than other states. I’m in Wi. What a world. Marijuana is legal in MN.,but ya can’t have an auto knife. Auto knives are legal in WI. but marijuana is not.

[1OldTreeClimber]

I wouldn't do a thing to it.,not even oil. It's worth more "AS FOUND"including any dirt that might be in it.

[Madmarco]

You've received some sound advise from some guys in the know, David, and all I can add is to AAPK!
That's a nice piece of history you have in your possession!

[Bill DeShivs]

The knife should be oiled.
That is bad advice.

[jw517]

The knife should be oiled.
That is bad advice.

I’m pretty sure he was trying to say “ don’t mess with it if you don’t know what you’re doing”. It looks like the tang was sanded to read the mark already.

[1OldTreeClimber]

I'm just saying if you just obtained it and your intention is to flip it,flip it as found.it is worth more to some people that way,myself included.Another week without oil will not cause it to immediately self destruct.People have their own preferences when it comes to things like oil and cleaning.Avoid the temptation to operate it,I have had springs break just by closing normally.Any thing perceived as a negative will effect the bottom line.This is just my humble opinion,of course I'm sure there will be those who disagree.