Identify Brand, type, age of this old switchblade?

[Opee]

Was given this knife by my grandfather 40 years ago.
It has no markings on the Blade that I can see.
About 10” long. Appears to be a Picklock style.
Maybe cowhorn scales? The safety is missing the decorative button and the push open button is missing the spring.
Would like to ID it, and then possibly have it repaired to working status as a sentimental family heirloom. Not sure on collector value? Appreciate any comments, TIA

[Bill DeShivs]

Collector value is way up there.
Be very careful who you have repair the knife.
Kaleb Reynolds, myself, and Liam Clark are the only repair people who can properly fix your knife, to my knowledge.

[BestVintageKnives]

Was given this knife by my grandfather 40 years ago.
It has no markings on the Blade that I can see.
About 10” long. Appears to be a Picklock style.
Maybe cowhorn scales? The safety is missing the decorative button and the push open button is missing the spring.
Would like to ID it, and then possibly have it repaired to working status as a sentimental family heirloom. Not sure on collector value? Appreciate any comments, TIA
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It’s a Brass flat guard made in Maniago, Italy. Possibly late 1930s or a few years after WWII like 1946/47. This smaller 10” size (normally 11”) was introduced about this time. Normally Maniago made stilettos used nickel silver for the bolsters and buttons but around this time many makers changed to brass for some models because of a shortage of materials due to the War.

Blade looks to be in great shape. There are a few repair people out there if you ask around. Message me privately and I can help you out with some names of people who can help. You have to be careful, some repair guys will replace the handles because of the smallest insignificant issue and without even asking you. Once rescaled a knife value & originality is ruined. And don’t shine the brass. One thing collectors can’t stand is a shined to death brass flat guard. Some repair guys have a shabby reputation amongst collectors for simply shinning it like a new penny.

Once repaired it could be worth about $1000.

There is a member here that goes by WI-collector. I think he is retired but I would recommend him for this knife. He would keep it authentic and original. Liam Clark is the best there is now. I would try him as well.

Sadly the two best repairmen to ever fix knives no longer do work. One’s work was so good it fooled every Internet expert.

[BestVintageKnives]

Here a little more info on the flat guards from The Brass Age. Im sure some info may be out of date with new research but hey we learn and move forward.

Mostly it’s right on the mark more to follow.

[BestVintageKnives]

Here is one WI-collector repaired for me. Incredible. Museum quality. Every other repair guy I asked about it said the handle should have been tossed.

[Opee]

Thanks for the replies back regarding this knife. Really impressed with the knowledge base of these old Switchblade knives.
I collected a couple of them from Mexico back in the late 60's and early 70's as a kid, but this one was by far more special because it came from my grandfather. Just wish I knew more about where he got it from. He also gave me an old Pull tab or pull bolster open knife that I still have today. Brian

[BestVintageKnives]

Can’t wait to see how this one turns out. The best man for the job was a great choice!

[Opee]

Well, I sent this old Brass Flatguard off for repair about 16 days ago, thinking I would have maybe a 2 month wait and received the repaired knife back today!
Very happy with the results! Ken P, aka WI-Collector did a very nice job on the knife and brought it back to its full glory of when it was in my grandfathers possession over 50 years ago. My mother has told me grandpa was in the Merchant marines back in the 30's, and then lived in southern La in the late 50's and 60's. Not sure exactly where he got it, but I do remember as a kid, that I wanted that knife when I saw it. He promised I would get it when he was gone.
Anyway, Ken P did a good job and kept the patina on the knife as it should be. It really pops now and no more worries about the safety or the release buttons not working properly.
Thanks again for everyone's help on the forum that led me in a direction to get a hard to find knife fixed and working properly again!

[BestVintageKnives]

Well, I sent this old Brass Flatguard off for repair about 16 days ago, thinking I would have maybe a 2 month wait and received the repaired knife back today!
Very happy with the results! Ken P, aka WI-Collector did a very nice job on the knife and brought it back to its full glory of when it was in my grandfathers possession over 50 years ago. My mother has told me grandpa was in the Merchant marines back in the 30's, and then lived in southern La in the late 50's and 60's. Not sure exactly where he got it, but I do remember as a kid, that I wanted that knife when I saw it. He promised I would get it when he was gone.
Anyway, Ken P did a good job and kept the patina on the knife as it should be. It really pops now and no more worries about the safety or the release buttons not working properly.
Thanks again for everyone's help on the forum that led me in a direction to get a hard to find knife fixed and working properly again!
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Looks amazing. Other repair guys would have ruined this knife but Ken kept it original and authentic looking.

It’s a rare, valuable heirloom knife now.

He’s the best in the world for knives like this.