This French switch folder is is a wonderful example of the Chatellearult Cutlery. The first charter of cutlery dates from May 1771 shows the existence of 50 master cutlers which signifies that the cutlery industry existed already since a long time. The manufacture at that time was of swords, large daggers, epees etc. From medieval times to the early 20th century, and particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries Châtellerault was a centre of knife-making. The industry ranged from large well regarded establishments such as Pagé frères to much humbler and smaller scale cottage manufactories. Châtellerault was famous for its Arms factory and the folding cutlery industry. When they were short of work the gunsmith workers used to look for some in the cutlery factories, and it also worked the other way round. This explains the fact that the production of the pieces made in Châtellerault were very much turned to an hunting style

This Mop handled switch knife is mounted with a sturdy single swedge edged blade which is 4 mm thick by the tang and tapered to the tip. The back spring is 5 mm thick.

Blade shows some pitting due to age but still has its original patina and remains in full profile with no sharpening scratches

It aligns well with the spine and the handle and the spring is powerful and fires great.

It locks tight in the open position with some minor play

It sits deep in the handle when closed

The knife is steel lined, and has nickel silver guard and button

A corkscrew is nestled into a recess of the handles

Wonderful mother of pearl scales with no chips or cracks, tiny hairline crak by the top bolsters

23 cm long when fully extended and 20 cm when folded