Oldest Auto

[David]

Here is an old Korn patent spring assisted knife, though i believe that it was the cork screw that was spring assisted. These went into production in the USA just after the Civil War.

[David]

Here's a spring assisted blade from the 1880s.

[David]

Here's a 19th century H. Bunting, Sheffield. Sorry i can't be more specific on the age.

[David]

An here is a Chatellerault switchblade that is talked about as an early example in a couple of the articles i linked to, though i have no specific age on this example.

[Chris Evans]

Hi David,

Fascinating examples. How were they dated? Were they mass produced?


Cheers
Chris

[fernando]

Hell David,

I completely ignored that facet of your knowledge
... which compelles me to ask you: are there folding kerises ?

BTW, Chris is right; the examples you posted are rather appealing !

[David]

Originally Posted by Chris Evans

Hi David,
Fascinating examples. How were they dated? Were they mass produced

Well Chris, as Fernando points out, my thing is keris (no Nando, no folders there AFAIK ) and i don't really no much about these knives i've post. But i do have some serious Google skills.
According to what i have read from my research the Korn Patent knives were the first production auto-knives made in America, but it seems that in Europe they may have been in production as early as 1840.

[Rick]

Thank you David; you have made the thread !

[Berkley]

Originally Posted by David

it seems that in Europe they may have been in production as early as 1840.

I found one reference which suggests that by that time they were already known on both sides of the Atlantic:

William Beaver
This cutler appeared in a list in a Sheffield directory (1839) as a maker of lock and fly-open knives. The latter were automatic (or switch-blade) knives that were probably intended for the American market.

-Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers 1740-2010