Gondola marked Picklock

[gravknife]

Just bought this little picklock from France.It wasnt much money but its not in the best condition.
Its 6.50" ,dark horn with a bayonet blade.It has all the old picklock traits,D Stamped thick liners ,and thick blade for its small size.The bolster ears are very thin and I thunk these bolsters are brass but plated.I havnt cleaned it yet but im sure yellow is showing through.
The blade is badly marked and the swedge and tip have been sharpened ,the sear pin has worn down preventing closing,and the safety button is off.
I bought it on a chance it was a named picklock as I saw a tiny bit of a stamp on a poor picture.As it had INOX on the reverse side I was sure it was tang stamped.so took a punt.
Does anyone know anything about the tourist blades ie maker ,dates etc .
I know its poor in condition but id like to get it fixed up and love this smaller size.
Thanks for taking a look.
Ian

[fastr19]

That's a Venezia and it's sure not tourist grade. The stamp styles are varied but is is one that collectors covet. If it was mine I would try to get it in good order. It's a shame the blade's not a little better.

[Bill DeShivs]

Someone has pried the front scale off.
The bolsters are nickel silver, not plated.

[gravknife]

Thanks Bill,fastr19
I couldnt leave it for 20 euros even in this condition,as picklocks are thin on the ground here.
Bill I thought the scale had warped.... it figures.
This knifes been used a lot, the blade needs someone like yourself to touch it up.Its not lost too much in shape..This one needs special attention and im going to have to find someone to do it,take a risk so to speak.
I figured at that price it was worth it as my first picklock and blade stamp knife.
Thanks for looking.
Ian

[lance]

Nice score Ian!! Congratulations!! Faster is right you've got a highly coveted knife there with an ultra rare stamp.it stinks that the French looked at these like we look at screwdrivers.
In any case I'm sure you can find someone on your side of the pond to rehabilitate her for ya.thats a great addition to your collection.

[gravknife]

Thanks lance
Its definitely a tool box find, trouble is it was the only tool in the box:-)
Im just happy to have a stamp mate ,and its well made as fastr19 said.
Love these little knives aswell,tactile in the hand like a gold watch.
Hope your well lance.
Ian

[gravknife]

Cleaned the knife very carefully with 600 -2000 grit ,taking care not to remove the stamp.
As a rule id never touch a knife but the scars,filemarks and dings on it needed attention.
Hope it looks better.
Ian

[DonC]

An improvement to be sure. Congrats on the find. Definitely a stamp worth having in your collection.
Just be sure to vet anyone doing repairs on it. It would be tragic to have someone with a ham fist damage the knife even further.
DonC

[lance]

I think ya did a good job cleaning it up!! There out there Ian,just waiting for you to discover them!.
Happy hunting sir.you're doing great.

[Bill DeShivs]

Now use some Simichrome polish (or similar-Mothers, etc.) on a cloth backed with your sanding block.
Good job, BTW!

[lance]

Now use some Simichrome polish (or similar-Mothers, etc.) on a cloth backed with your sanding block.
Good job, BTW!

Is semicrome better than. Mothers or are they equal?

[Bill DeShivs]

Why would you ask me?

[lance]

Nevermind,I already knew...,just wanted to see what you'd say.

[gravknife]

Thanks Bill and Lance
Got lost there a minute as I didnt know what mothers was,had to look it up.
Ive got simichrome and it works a treat .
Is there any metal removed when using these polishes?
I hate touching knives really ,unless like this one there is no other choice.

Ian

[Bill DeShivs]

You can't polish metal without removing some, but Simichrome removes very little-little enough that it won't be an issue.