Italian Leverlock Models
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Italian Leverlock Models
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.
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
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- Italian Leverlock Latama (1200x658).jpg (276.59 KiB) Viewed 2922 times
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- Italian Leverlock Coricama (1200x790).jpg (341.87 KiB) Viewed 2922 times
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- Italian Leverlock Virginia Large (1200x666).jpg (291.07 KiB) Viewed 2922 times
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
Very nice, thanks for sharing! I’ve had a bunch of the models with the Jndiana stamp that were very well made.
No, I'm not happy to see you, that's my 12cm "Red Rose" in my pocket!
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
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!
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.
Your friend on the web's most friendly community on knives and blades,
John
Massachusetts Where Everything is Illegal or Taxed
John
Massachusetts Where Everything is Illegal or Taxed
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
Really great old/vintage Italian leverlocks!
"By accepting you as you are, I do not necessarily abandon all hope of your improving"- My Wife (1963-Present)
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
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.
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
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- Italian EIG Leverlock cat 1957 _20201023_0001 (2) (415x1200).jpg (254.68 KiB) Viewed 2840 times
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- Italian Leverlock EIG Fishtail (1200x616).jpg (282.49 KiB) Viewed 2840 times
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
The "Fishtail" is a real looker... a real beauty.
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
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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Re: Italian Leverlock Models
thanx for the info and pix Neal,hope to see you in Mystic next spring.Eric
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
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
daddyloco out of the shadows.
Jim
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
I have one of the EIG's but don't think I'll ever have the others. Good show.
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Re: Italian Leverlock Models
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
Wayne
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
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.
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
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- Italian Leverlock Virginia Slimline (1200x661).jpg (305.14 KiB) Viewed 2731 times
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- Weltersbach Slimline Lever_20201025_0001 (1800x294).jpg (287.44 KiB) Viewed 2731 times
Re: Italian Leverlock Models
Your EIG and Virginia knives are beautiful.
Thanks for posting such delicious eye candy!
Thanks for posting such delicious eye candy!
Your friend on the web's most friendly community on knives and blades,
John
Massachusetts Where Everything is Illegal or Taxed
John
Massachusetts Where Everything is Illegal or Taxed