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