chibiker
Member
Hoping you guys can help me out with a few questions I have about an old knife. When my Grandfather passed away I was given, among other things, an old tool box of his. There were a few old pocket knives in there, most heavily used the one I am inquiring about being no different.
I never really paid that much attention to it and for one didn't at the time really know what I was looking at. Over the years as my knife collection started growing and I became more familar with their various features and operations this old knife came to mind and I dug it out. What I am looking at appears to be a very old lever lock automatic. The only markings I can find on it is the word ELEX on the blade. I was able to find a picture online that was very similar to this knife but no information was given.
It appears at one time that it had swing guards fitted to the blade... the shape of the knife is such that when the blade is closed the swing guards nestle into place.
I also believe there was a lanyard ring at the end that is now missing. The lever lock will snap into place when the blade is fully deployed but when folded you have to push it down into place to lock. I am almost postive this was a switchblade due to the locking mechanism as well and when looking down between the liners I can see the broken end of the leaf spring that was once there.
So questions... am I right? Old switchblade? Any idea about the manufacturer as well as a time period? My Mother seems to remember him carrying this knife for many many years...she knows nothing about whether or not it was an auto, she did say, knowing your Grandfather I am sure it was.
The scales on it are jigged bone, just have that classic vintage look that scales like that of today don't seem to exhibit. Any ideas what it's worth? More importantly anyone know approximate dollar amount to have it restored? Would need to have swing guards made and installed, new leaf spring made/installed and everything polished out and tightened up. Anyone recommend somebody to do that kind of work? Somebody I might be able to afford.. maybe even barter with? I guess ideally I would need to find somebody in Illinois. I do believe Federal Law prohibits shipping switchblades interstate. Wouldn't be one going but would be one coming back.
Thanks in advance for any info anybody can give. If my description was not clear enough or somebody wants to take a look for an estimate of repairs let me know and I can get some pictures up of it.
I never really paid that much attention to it and for one didn't at the time really know what I was looking at. Over the years as my knife collection started growing and I became more familar with their various features and operations this old knife came to mind and I dug it out. What I am looking at appears to be a very old lever lock automatic. The only markings I can find on it is the word ELEX on the blade. I was able to find a picture online that was very similar to this knife but no information was given.
It appears at one time that it had swing guards fitted to the blade... the shape of the knife is such that when the blade is closed the swing guards nestle into place.
I also believe there was a lanyard ring at the end that is now missing. The lever lock will snap into place when the blade is fully deployed but when folded you have to push it down into place to lock. I am almost postive this was a switchblade due to the locking mechanism as well and when looking down between the liners I can see the broken end of the leaf spring that was once there.
So questions... am I right? Old switchblade? Any idea about the manufacturer as well as a time period? My Mother seems to remember him carrying this knife for many many years...she knows nothing about whether or not it was an auto, she did say, knowing your Grandfather I am sure it was.
The scales on it are jigged bone, just have that classic vintage look that scales like that of today don't seem to exhibit. Any ideas what it's worth? More importantly anyone know approximate dollar amount to have it restored? Would need to have swing guards made and installed, new leaf spring made/installed and everything polished out and tightened up. Anyone recommend somebody to do that kind of work? Somebody I might be able to afford.. maybe even barter with? I guess ideally I would need to find somebody in Illinois. I do believe Federal Law prohibits shipping switchblades interstate. Wouldn't be one going but would be one coming back.
Thanks in advance for any info anybody can give. If my description was not clear enough or somebody wants to take a look for an estimate of repairs let me know and I can get some pictures up of it.