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Info needed on German Knife

I found this knife at a thrift store this weekend. The blades is about 4" and is engraved Wilh. Weltersbach Solingen Germany. The grips are stag horn. The end cap is brass, as is the released for the blade. This is not a spring deployment, only a lock blade. It looks similar to some parachute knives I have seen. I have seen some other knives by this maker but they all had the lock/deployment mechanism on the side of the knife, not along the back top of the knife. Can anyone help me with the description of this knife, the age, and possible value. I cannot find another like it anywhere on the Internet.

Thanks

Chuck

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 26, 2016 at 17:24

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 26, 2016 at 17:41

Wilh. Weltersback 1882-1994. Main Trademark: Weidmannsheil, which translates to good hunting. Produced folding and fixed-blade knives, as well as lever lock switchblades for themselves and under contract for others. From Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible knives

I do know that Weidmannsheil is currently owned by James (Buzz) Parker

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Fowler on September 27, 2016 at 5:10

Thank you for the information Jan.

Jan Carter said:

Wilh. Weltersback 1882-1994. Main Trademark: Weidmannsheil, which translates to good hunting. Produced folding and fixed-blade knives, as well as lever lock switchblades for themselves and under contract for others. From Gun Trader's Guide to Collectible knives

I do know that Weidmannsheil is currently owned by James (Buzz) Parker

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on September 27, 2016 at 14:35

Chuck- A little information and a big question-I can't tell from the photo definitively. Is the release mechanism a type of ring pull or is it lever activated?? Anyhow, as Jan said Wilhelm Weltersbach was a high quality knife Co. circa 1882-1994. I too have not been able to find another example of your knife, other than a possible catalogue match.Your blade shape is described as a straight-back design,commonly used for chopping and slicing. I have seen it called a skinner as well. Weltersbach was probably best known for his leverlock design auto knives with the mechanism on the side of the handle and also his multi-blade camp style knives. The fact that your knife is apparently fairly rare can be a blessing or a curse. In general, Weltersbach knives are rated medium as to collector value. The more well-known leverlock examples run about $150-250.Yours, being a rarer knife variety, might bring more or less, depending on the collector's interest. More likely less, because it is not an automatic opener.I did come across a 1950's catalogue page that shows one quite similar to yours (knife #5), so I would date it to that time frame plus the fact that the wording on your knife is in English making it a post war export knife most likely.The same source I copied the catalogue page from is an avid researcher and authority on these knives and may be able to provide further information if you send him some good photos.BTW, he also actively buys German lever knives. Here is a link to his home page and to his wanted to buy page if you are interested plus the promised catalogue.

http://thebladeblog-ulf.blogspot.com/2016/03/german-leverlocks-cont...

http://thebladeblog-ulf.blogspot.com/2013/08/wanted.html

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on September 27, 2016 at 18:04

Good info John. Now that I see that in the catalog, it looks a lot like the Bull lock by GEC. I knew it was an old pattern but maybe this is where it started?

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Permalink Reply by Bryan W on September 27, 2016 at 19:14

Nice work John. Damn, the "Encyclopedia Brown" of iKC !!!! You are good my friend.

If you look at the catalog shot, the knife in question is #5.

That locking mechanism is the same one that was used by Wusthof on some pocket knife tool kits. I had one for a while. That lock mechanism drove me nuts, as it honestly did not work well. The blade should pull open and lock into position. Fold "open" the lever, and the pressure pushed on the lever by your thumb pulls up the spring enough to release the knife from the locked position. The "lever" folds flat when not in use. My experience with this mechanism is it puts a lot of strain on the lever and pin that holds it on, wearing it out quicker than conventional locks.

This knife appears to have dyed and jigged bone handles, which would honestly be worth less than stag. The knife appears to be a later production, but from the one photo its hard to make a definitive call. Value? Well, it always depends what someone would pay. If the knife was perfect condition, action and all, I would have no hesitation asking $120 maybe a bit more. With wear, the value goes down. German knives, which I collect, are not as valuable as US made pieces, which make them attractive to collectors like me and others, as they are easy on the wallet to buy and sell. Yours, with the wear as I can see, you might be able to get $70-$80 for it. Again, its going off the one photo, so I hope this "estimate" helps you a bit.

Nice find!!!

Bryan