Identifying switchblade

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bandit303
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Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:43 pm

Identifying switchblade

Post by bandit303 »

I am new to this site. I hope the photos worked correctly. I acquired this at an estate sale. I am hoping to figure out the maker of this knife. All I can make out is some letters surrounded by a diamond and under that it says made in Italy. The push button spring does not work is there a way this can be repaired? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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gravknife
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by gravknife »

bandit303
The knife is an old Italian picklock by ROSCO,I'd say its late 1940s early 50s but it could be earlier.
The horn is excellent and the knife handmade in Italy by excellent makers.
Any named switchblade is desirable but a picklock ,Rosco named,nice horn,all the blade is present i know I like it and many here will.
If you live in the US Bill de Shivs is the man to restore this type of blade and its well worth it.
I'm not knowledgeable enough to state more but I'm sure many older members will tell you all you need to know.
Thanks for sharing this knife,I'm after a named picklock myself,they are quite rare and I'd say a rare size.at 13inch making it even more sought after.
Stunning picklock 8)
A great start to your collection mate and welcome to talkblade.

All the best
Ian
bandit303
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by bandit303 »

Thank you so much for the information I greatly appreciate it.
Fishtail Picklock
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by Fishtail Picklock »

13" of ROSCO Picklock goodness! That is right out of the 1940's-50's. The horn is beautiful. I would value it right at $400.00. Bill DeShivs is the answer.

Sweet!
Fishtail Picklock
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Viking45
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by Viking45 »

Wow an old Rosco. Excellent score 8) Beautiful scales too.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by Bill DeShivs »

It's actually a knife made by Mauro Mario in Italy for the George Rose Co.(Rosco) in the US.
I am the only authorized Mauro Mario repair man in the world.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
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JimBrown257
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by JimBrown257 »

That's a great knife. It's an older Rosco, even with the dulled stamp it is a gem. The brass pivot is interesting. It's common on the older Edwin Jays and Latamas but I don't think I've seen it on a lot of Roscos (though I could be wrong about that). It definitely seems all original though.

It is about at the point where half will say restore and half will say leave as is. Even like that, $400 is a cinch.

EDIT: I just saw you mentioned the button spring is not working. You definitely want that to get fixed.
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ILikeStilettos
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by ILikeStilettos »

Nice one, Rosco's are my one vintage weakness. Good luck with it.
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gravknife
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by gravknife »

bandit303
Herws a sales ad for ROSCO showing the diamond trade mark and available sizes..George Rose Company of California imported knives from both Italy and California.
The example of the Rosco knife in my book has a partially worn tang stamp also.
Ian
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DonC
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by DonC »

Get a hold of Bill DeShivs (the master of repair) and have him put it to rights. His skill and workmanship is legendary.
DonC
lance
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by lance »

Nice score!! These are rarer than hens teeth,congratulations.I'm sure you'll find someone to fix er up.and it'd be well worth it.
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Wally J. Corpse
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by Wally J. Corpse »

Greetings, Mr. Bill DeShivs-

AS an authorized repairman exlemplar, do ye' think you might be able to repair the worn out mental spring of'n our own Mr. Doofus Emeritus?? Eye am almost practically certain that a collection of fundage can be raised from the forumites herein to help restore Bonzo to his earlier pathetic glory.

AS ever,

Your ol' pal,

Wally J. Corpse
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by Bill DeShivs »

Wish I could help, but I don't do brains.
Tell him to try that memory stuff they advertise on TV. I forget the name.......
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
orangeboy
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Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by orangeboy »

Nice old Rosco. George Rose Co was selling Latamas until they around 1954. So knives with the Rosco stamp came a little later and can be dated circa 1954/1955 until 1958.

I would probably want it so be working correctly
if it needs the repair.
Italian and USA Doctorate in Cutlery Research, PHD
Italian and USA Masters in Cutlery Research, PHD
DonCauchi
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Joined: Fri May 17, 2019 10:22 pm

Re: Identifying switchblade

Post by DonCauchi »

Well I am very surprised that i have this blade in my possession but its 9inches. Please contact me at 352-216-5559. If you or anyone might be interested. Thank you.
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