Italian Leverlock Models

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Quaero
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Italian Leverlock Models

Post by Quaero »

While Germany is well known for its high quality leverlock switchblades, Italy also produced quite a wide range of lever-action models.

One of the first known lever-type automatics was offered by Latama and was most likely a prototype or a very short run variation, and probably dated to the late 1940s. Handled in horn, It has a very unique lever which folds forward to fire, similar to a Mikov lever model.

A second uncommon leverlock model is shown in a Coricama multi-blade variation which probably dates from the late 1940s to early 1950s. Handled in genuine stag, this husky automatic has several blades and features including a folding corkscrew on the backside of the handle.

A final 1950s era horn handled knife shown is a close copy of a German-made Hubertus leverlock, and is marked "Virginia".

All three lever-type models are well made with good useability in mind.

Please feel free to add any other Italian-made leverlock examples.
Attachments
Italian Leverlock Latama (1200x658).jpg
Italian Leverlock Latama (1200x658).jpg (276.59 KiB) Viewed 2812 times
Italian Leverlock Coricama (1200x790).jpg
Italian Leverlock Coricama (1200x790).jpg (341.87 KiB) Viewed 2812 times
Italian Leverlock Virginia Large (1200x666).jpg
Italian Leverlock Virginia Large (1200x666).jpg (291.07 KiB) Viewed 2812 times
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autoknife
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by autoknife »

Very nice, thanks for sharing! I’ve had a bunch of the models with the Jndiana stamp that were very well made.
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john
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by john »

OMG those are so wicked awesome. My favorite is all three. They all have fabulous scales; the stag is simply incredible. I guess, I’d have to say the Coricama is my favorite favorite and the Latama second. The Virginia comes in third, but look at what it must compete against.
I have a few Italian level locks as soon as I have a chance I’ll dig them up and post a few photos. I’ll be back!
Last edited by john on Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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JulesVane
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by JulesVane »

Really great old/vintage Italian leverlocks!
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Quaero
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by Quaero »

Thanks for the nice comments guys.

An "EIG" catalog from 1957 shows four different leverlock fishtail models which were all handled in horn. Those models were offered in two sizes and with two different blade options on each size: saber clip, and dagger bayonet.

The knife pictured is tang stamped "EIG Cutlery Italy" and is one of the larger types at 8-5/8 inches with a saber clip style blade. The smaller size leverlock fishtail models were available in 7-1/4 inch sizes.
Attachments
Italian EIG Leverlock cat 1957 _20201023_0001 (2) (415x1200).jpg
Italian EIG Leverlock cat 1957 _20201023_0001 (2) (415x1200).jpg (254.68 KiB) Viewed 2730 times
Italian Leverlock EIG Fishtail (1200x616).jpg
Italian Leverlock EIG Fishtail (1200x616).jpg (282.49 KiB) Viewed 2730 times
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Chris51P
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by Chris51P »

The "Fishtail" is a real looker... a real beauty.
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daddyloko
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by daddyloko »

That's the first Fishtail leverlock I've seen here or maybe noticed. But it's very nice. Thanks for sharing that.
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rock-n-roll$$$$$$
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by rock-n-roll$$$$$$ »

thanx for the info and pix Neal,hope to see you in Mystic next spring.Eric
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jim d,
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by jim d, »

Thanks for posting those beautiful examples and the informative ad from the catalog. This is proving to be such a wonderful thread it even brought
daddyloco out of the shadows.

Jim
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fastr19
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by fastr19 »

I have one of the EIG's but don't think I'll ever have the others. Good show.
boblees812
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by boblees812 »

Neal.. Thanks for all the info.And the great pictures of some really rare knives. Great to see you posting somethings up here. Thanks
Wayne :)
Quaero
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by Quaero »

Thanks again for the kind words all. it's good to see some new fellow enthusiasts along with several great old friends that I hope to see again soon at some shows.

To keep this thread from getting tiresome, I'll add one last leverlock model. This knife is marked "Virginia" but is also seen with a "Jndiana" stamp.
This model has jigged bone handles, and jigged synthetic handles were used on later examples. It is quite a close copy to a 1950s era Weltersbach slimline lever automatic, but other German cutlery companies such as Hubertus and Bonsa also produced similar models. Enclosed is a catalog shot of a Weltersbach leverlock for comparison.
Attachments
Italian Leverlock Virginia Slimline (1200x661).jpg
Italian Leverlock Virginia Slimline (1200x661).jpg (305.14 KiB) Viewed 2621 times
Weltersbach Slimline Lever_20201025_0001 (1800x294).jpg
Weltersbach Slimline Lever_20201025_0001 (1800x294).jpg (287.44 KiB) Viewed 2621 times
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john
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models

Post by john »

Your EIG and Virginia knives are beautiful.
Thanks for posting such delicious eye candy!
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John

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