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New Very Old Switchblade

A friend who I have bought quite a few switchblades from for my collection knows I want one very special switchblade.

During the Civil War, as you know, a lot of soldiers on both sides endured horrific injuries, Often injuries from the dreaded Minie Ball led to the loss of limbs. I remember some huge number detailed in a Civil War book about the number of arms & legs lost during the wa. Astronomical.

Someone invented a knife for the Press Button Knife Company that was switchblade action with a very useful 3-prong fork blade.

The knife is called the Civil War Veteran's knife often the One-Armed Man's knife and most often just the One-Armer.

Well, my friend found a beautiful specimen for me. For nearly four years we have been on the humt for a decent example of this knife.

That made it a hard task, as both of us ran into One-Armers for sale but often the action was stuck or spongy or the action was good but the handles were bent, scratched, won down or stained.,

Finally my friend bumped into an excellent knife. Great looking and slick action with the 150+ year old fork blade sliding out perfectly.

Today all I have is photos, I'm waiting for delivery of the knife and will follow with more pics and a better description but the hunt is successful!

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Featured Comment by Craig Henry on September 30, 2013 at 17:19: Very cool!

In Memoriam Comment by D ale on September 30, 2013 at 17:15: Sweet, Lee.

That is unique !!

I love the hunt.

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on September 27, 2013 at 17:15: Yea, what's up next? I am searching for a vintage Robeson, Scout and Barlow. I am close to getting the Scout. The hunt is on....lol

Comment by Jan Carter on September 26, 2013 at 20:29: Well Lee I am very glad you found your knife! That is just fantastic. so whats the next peice in the search?

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on September 25, 2013 at 15:25: Hey, Lee, good to hear from you. That looks like a one hand Hobo...lol Great score, lucky you, Congrat's. My search's lately are not quite so rare but it's fun looking for a particular pattern and then finding it. Yea Buddy.

Comment by Ron Cooper on September 25, 2013 at 15:15: Wow! I had never seen one of those before. That's great that you finally found an excellent working example. I'll look forward to your follow-up pictures once it arrives. Congratulations on your find!