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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on November 23, 2014 at 17:18

Greg-- A fascinating and puzzling knife-- BTW, I'm still looking !! LOL---What I can surmise so far-- The ROSTFREI and PATENT (not patented, but patent) tang stamps are generally attributed to Italian knifemakers of the 60's as a transitional knife as they changed from the classic picklock knife---However, your knife has TWO unique features that make it a puzzler- Rarely do you see one without a metal butt piece or rear bolster like yours. BUT, the most unique feature is the bollock crossguard-- I just spent 3 hours  looking for another knife with the same feature, and could not find ONE !!  Looked at several huge switchblade collections,etc. without finding a similar example. I researched switchblades from all over the globe without finding a similar knife-- Probably Italian made, but the horn is very popular with Brazilian imports, and the cross guard  is kind of a Scottish thing--- A real head scratcher !!--- I'll keep at it !! BTW, if you can take a good clear pic (minus the tape roll or any other distacting background) I might find something with Google image search-- Just a thought-- Google searches images by shapes and colors, so the roll of tape throws off the search---- 

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on November 23, 2014 at 17:48

BTW, the red dot slide lock is a help in identifying your knife, but is not an unique feature, as several knife makers used it--

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Permalink Reply by Greg Bayes on November 23, 2014 at 18:08

The Bollocks were also found on French prostitute knives. (I have a two) The knives are called "pique couille  and that translates to picnic testicles. They were called that because in the 18th century and earlier a trist with a prostitute was euphemistically called a "picnic" and if the john refused to pay the lady was obliged to perforate the cads bollocks. If you search "pique couille" in Google images you will see them. 

 I

believe this knife was made in Maniago and possibly by the same guy that made the "Rapid" The similarity except for the rear bolster is obvious
John McCain said:

Greg-- A fascinating and puzzling knife-- BTW, I'm still looking !! LOL---What I can surmise so far-- The ROSTFREI and PATENT (not patented, but patent) tang stamps are generally attributed to Italian knifemakers of the 60's as a transitional knife as they changed from the classic picklock knife---However, your knife has TWO unique features that make it a puzzler- Rarely do you see one without a metal butt piece or rear bolster like yours. BUT, the most unique feature is the bollock crossguard-- I just spent 3 hours  looking for another knife with the same feature, and could not find ONE !!  Looked at several huge switchblade collections,etc. without finding a similar example. I researched switchblades from all over the globe without finding a similar knife-- Probably Italian made, but the horn is very popular with Brazilian imports, and the cross guard  is kind of a Scottish thing--- A real head scratcher !!--- I'll keep at it !! BTW, if you can take a good clear pic (minus the tape roll or any other distacting background) I might find something with Google image search-- Just a thought-- Google searches images by shapes and colors, so the roll of tape throws off the search---- 

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Permalink Reply by Greg Bayes on November 23, 2014 at 18:16

I have another one that needs research that  I will be posting: A really gnarly stag 13 inch picklock with full brass liners, a 5mm wide back spring and integral actuating spring I.E. all one piece. Early 60's I am guessing

Thanks 

Greg

John McCain said:

BTW, the red dot slide lock is a help in identifying your knife, but is not an unique feature, as several knife makers used it--

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on November 23, 2014 at 18:56

Greg, I look forward to seeing your picklock-- IMHO, Maniago, Italy is certainly a likely candidate, as I think  your knife is is a 60's Italian knife- Also, can you find or direct me to the Maniago pic that you think is so close in similarity?? - I can find them with  balls on a extended crossguard by several makers, but none like yours??-- BTW, note to self and to others, never stiff a French prostitute !! ROFL !!

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