Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

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SkipCoin
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Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2022 1:54 pm

Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by SkipCoin »

I recently acquired a box of knives from my pops and this is the coolest of the bunch. Can someone please help me identify the year and possibly the rough estimate if this is allowed. I'm not looking to sell it or anything. It's just to know if I will be using it or not. Thank you for your help.
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Tom19176
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by Tom19176 »

1950s pick lock. Value $600++
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rock-n-roll$$$$$$
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by rock-n-roll$$$$$$ »

may we please see the tang stamp, as there are many for Latama, this will help for age and value.
button_man
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by button_man »

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Skip ~ Dunno how conversant you are with the jargon.... the "tang stamp" (properly called the ricasso stamp) refers to the markings at the base of the blade -- in this case, the name "Latama" and the word "Italy". The size, shaping, font, and placement of this stamp can reveal clues about the knife.

Since the blade appears to be dirty with some surface rust, wipe off the ricasso stamp with some light oil and then wipe it dry before taking some
close-up photos of it. Do NOT scour it with steel wool or metal polish; or any other abrasive or chemically active substance. If and when you want
the knife professionally restored, let the expert deal with that sort of thing. (And for heaven's sake, do NOT sharpen it !!! Leave it alone....)

Very nice find, and we're all interested in further details.... What is the exact length when open? Is the spring still strong?
Does the knife fully open every time? Does the safety slide work okay? Is there any wobble when the blade is open? Details, man, details...!!
.
Last edited by button_man on Fri Aug 26, 2022 5:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
sammy the blade
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by sammy the blade »

SkipCoin wrote: Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:37 pm I recently acquired a box of knives from my pops and this is the coolest of the bunch. Can someone please help me identify the year and possibly the rough estimate if this is allowed. I'm not looking to sell it or anything. It's just to know if I will be using it or not. Thank you for your help.IMG_20220824_083058459_01.jpg
Really not a lot of use for a knife like this unless you want to stab someone or get a pickle out of a jar. It's highly collectables and worth some good money to collectors. Belonging to your dad should be enough reason to keep it, to me anyway.
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jerryk25
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by jerryk25 »

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jerryk25
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by jerryk25 »

Your knife is very collectible because the name Latama is famous for being the Importer (not manufacturer)
that started the switchblade fascination in the 1950's. . .
It is not the oldest of the switchblades, but it IS "golden era Picklock" and should not be used.
DO NOT SHARPEN IT, DO NOT POLISH IT, DO NOT TIGHTEN THE BLADE PIVOT,
Oil it but do not get oil on the horn scales.
When closing it, press the button. . .do not let it "click" when squeezed closed.

To describe it I would say
It is an unrestored mid-1950's 28centimeter ( 11 inch) LATAMA picklock automatic in fair condition.
The Latama tang stamp is not visible in the provided photos.
There is slight rust pitting, and sharpening, but the blade seems reasonably long at 97% full length.
It has a steel pivot pin, and light honey and white horn handle scales, the scale pins seem flat or filed down.
The bottom bolster seems loose or misaligned from dropping. I can't tell if it is a "tall button".
There is a dovetail kick spring, and the blade has a round cut ramp at the sear hole (not square cut ramp).

I would definitely have it restored. . . .It's gonna look beautiful because of the white and honey scales.
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john
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by john »

Beautiful knife
Do what Jerry said.
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thom
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by thom »

jerryk25 wrote: Fri Aug 26, 2022 10:02 pm.
Any years to go with those stamps?
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jerryk25
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Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by jerryk25 »

I don't remember what years go with what logo types.
SharperDeal had a tang stamp directory at one time,
and I saved a few images. . . . but not a complete selection.
I think the boxed logo was an early one.
and the Patent logo, well, look up the year of the kriss patent.

Also. . .I think this was discussed in a switchblade book , I forget which one.
So It won't be me to date them least I contradict actual facts listed elswhere.
SkipCoin
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Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2022 1:54 pm

Re: Latama switchblade picklock - help identify the year

Post by SkipCoin »

Wow thanks everyone for the knowledge dropped. I will get you guys a better pick soon. I just started a new job and the hours are 6 to 6 and it's been a blessing during the tough times
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