Mystery knife "what was it made for?"

[olderdogs1]

I found this cutting tool in a box of knives today. I have never seen one and have no reference to the brand. HAUPTNER is etched on the handle. No other markings. The knife opens similar to a straight razor and you can lock it open or closed. The little lever on the end opens it as it does not have a nail pull. No springs like an ordinary knife. Any help appreciated.

Tom

[just bob]

Tom see if this helps. I also see this same company makes a variety of grooming and trimming knives for dogs.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/19c-ANTIQUE-GER ... 589e7f05be

[olderdogs1]

Thanks, Bob
I paid 5.00 for mine so the 421.00 the guy is asking sounds pretty good. Just doesn't look like a scalpel to me, not that I would know. Being a dog man my whole life I can't think what use it would have for that.

Thanks, Tom

[Miller Bro's]

It is a scalpel.

[olderdogs1]

Thanks, Dimitri,
Any idea as far as age?
Thanks, Tom

[knife7knut]

Thanks, Dimitri,
Any idea as far as age?
Thanks, Tom

I would say that it was made some time after 1870 due to the fact that the scales are metal and it can be sterilized.Earlier examples had scales made of tortoise shell and horn and could not be sterilized in an autoclave due to the heat damaging the scales. I believe folding medical instruments went out of fashion around the turn of the century(1900).Here is a pic of some medical instruments I have;the two on the left center are tortoise shell scalpels.

[Miller Bro's]

Tom,

The all metal instruments were being used after the turn of the century, (1900), exactly when yours was made I am not sure I don`t really collect these or study them maybe someone else can get a closer date for you.

[olderdogs1]

Thanks, guys
Great information, gotta love this site!

Tom

[Miller Bro's]

Looks like the company has been in business for 150 years and is still in business.

Here is their web site; http://www.hauptner-herberholz.de/englisch/wir.html

[knife7knut]

Looks like the company has been in business for 150 years and is still in business.

Here is their web site; http://www.hauptner-herberholz.de/englisch/wir.html

Just goes to show you that people never get sick of people who make things that help you not be sick!