Need help with Italian Stiletto ID

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RobbP
Posts: 38
Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 1:49 am

Need help with Italian Stiletto ID

Post by RobbP »

Hi all,

I bought this poor example just because. It doesn't have much going for it with the issues it has, but man if it could tell us the stories of its life!!

I would like if anyone can tell what it is and or approximate age. I was told by a third party (not the seller) That it is a Latama wasp body from the 1940's/50's. With the tang stamp ground off I do not know of any other way to help ID it. 10 3/4" long, The back spring is 4mm thick, D stamped, ears filled, brass lined, carbon blade, picklock.

It also needs a kick spring, anyone know where I could get one for this old fella? Its probably not a restore candidate unless I can find a nice blade, but I would at least like to have it in working order and leave it like it is.

Thanks for any and all help!
Robb
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Killgar
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Re: Need help with Italian Stiletto ID

Post by Killgar »

I have no idea what it is (or was). As far as a new spring, I'm sure there are a few members here who could make one.

At first look I thought to myself that the condition of the blade was someone's horrible attempt at a "restoration". Like maybe the carbon steel blade was badly rusted/pitted and so they put it to a grinder. Otherwise I can't imagine why a person would feel the need to grind every surface.

But then I wondered if maybe the blade is crudely homemade. Perhaps a replacement for a broken blade.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Need help with Italian Stiletto ID

Post by Bill DeShivs »

The blade is original, and it's pretty much ruined.
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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.
RobbP
Posts: 38
Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 1:49 am

Re: Need help with Italian Stiletto ID

Post by RobbP »

Bill DeShivs wrote: Sun Jan 23, 2022 6:15 am The blade is original, and it's pretty much ruined.
Bill, any idea on manufacturer or timeline of manufacture? I wondered about the picklock tab being somewhat unique.
I know it is a ruined blade, but for $40 I couldn't refuse even knowing it would not be a candidate for a restore.
I will make a spring and keep it as is, just knowing any of its history would be beneficial to me.

Thanks
Robb
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Need help with Italian Stiletto ID

Post by Bill DeShivs »

All I can tell you is that it's a 1950s knife. It's not a "wasp body."\Manufacturer could be any of a hundred or so makers during that time frame.
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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