Help ID Italian lockback

[Toejammer]

Snagged a neat old stiletto style lockback in a lot off the bay, with absolutely no markings except "Made Italy". Looking through the forums, it seems to resemble a Falcon, but it would be nice to know exactly. The funny thing is, there is NO release tab on the backspring side, so the only way to unlock it is to manually pull up the tab. Doesn't look like it was filed or grinded off, but if it was, it was done a long time ago, since the backspring is completely smooth. It's pretty solid, and has some heft to it. Don't know what the wood type is, or if it's simply stained black. measures 4 7/8 inches closed, w/ 3 5/8 inch blade.

Thanks !

[Miller Bro's]

It` a "Pick lock"

The handles are Horn

[Toejammer]

Thanks Miller !

Were these designed this way, to be so difficult to close ? If pulling up on that tab is the only way to close her up, I'd hate to have seen this thing when it was new, cause it's tight NOW ! Any idea of age ? I was thinking 60's - 70's, but then I have no experience with these italian knives. I really thought it was just some import mutt, but maybe it's more than that ?

Also, just for my own reference, how can you tell it's horn handled from the picture ? I don't own anything with horn handles, so I have no reference to go by, but it looks like wood to my untrained eyes.

Thanks again !

[Miller Bro's]

Toe,

I believe it is from at least the 1950`s. Most of these pick locks are very hard to lift up, that is why the later ones have a "Rocker" bolster that lifts the spring. If you opened and closed one of these all day your fingernails would be gone

As far as the handles are concerned, I have seen and handled thousands of knives with horn handles and it is easy for me. With some experience you will be able to as well. The horn has a woodgrain effect just like wood but horn is translucent, wood is not.

[Toejammer]

Toe,

I believe it is from at least the 1950`s. Most of these pick locks are very hard to lift up, that is why the later ones have a "Rocker" bolster that lifts the spring. If you opened and closed one of these all day your fingernails would be gone

As far as the handles are concerned, I have seen and handled thousands of knives with horn handles and it is easy for me. With some experience you will be able to as well. The horn has a woodgrain effect just like wood but horn is translucent, wood is not.

Thanks again for the info, I definately learn new things here at AAPK !

Now I have to go re - check a few "wood handled" knives I picked up awhile back. I may very well have more horn handled knives and didn't know it !

[knife7knut]

Most people just try to stick their thumbnail under one side of the lock with the result that it usually breaks the nail.Try grasping it on both sides from the top using your thumb and index fingernail while pushing down on the blade with your other hand.Works much easier.

[Toejammer]

Most people just try to stick their thumbnail under one side of the lock with the result that it usually breaks the nail.Try grasping it on both sides from the top using your thumb and index fingernail while pushing down on the blade with your other hand.Works much easier.

I already snapped my thumbnail !

think I'll just admire it closed for awhile.

[Miller Bro's]

already snapped my thumbnail !

I told you so

[Owd Wullie]

Does it look like this?



Here's stamp on this old darling. It's my brother in law's as well. He took it off some thug back in his police days.





Beetles got to the back side.

[Toejammer]

Yep, thats the lock alright Wullie, except mines not an auto and nowhere near as nice looking as yours !

[Miller Bro's]

Nice knife Willie

What is the measurement closed?

[Owd Wullie]

I wish that one was mine. It belongs to my Brother-in-law.

D, it's about 10 or 12 inches all out.

My B-I-L doesn't have a lot of knives but what he's managed to gather over the years are NICE ones.