Oversize Solognot* Gentleman Lock Back Folding Dagger. Chatellerault, France Mid To Late 19th

This French gentleman folding, termed *Solognot* is a wonderful example of the Chatellearult Cutlery.
The first charter of cutlery dates from May 1771 shows the existence of 50 master cutlers which signifies that the cutlery industry existed already since a long time. The manufacture at that time was of swords, large daggers, epees etc. From medieval times to the early 20th century, and particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries Chatellerault was a centre of knife-making. The industry ranged from large well regarded establishments such as Pagé frères to much humbler and smaller scale cottage manufactories. Chatellerault was famous for its Arms factory and the folding cutlery industry. When they were short of work the gunsmith workers used to look for some in the cutlery factories, and it also worked the other way round. This explains the fact that the production of the pieces made in Châtellerault were very much turned to an hunting style.
This wonderful dagger was surely created for hunting purposes but should either be used as an excellent self-defence knife.
Blade is straight, single edged with pronounced false edge and clip pointed, yatagan style.  The blade has a clasp locking system to avoid accidental closing of the keen edged blade and features a ring to pull to release it once opened. The dagger is finished with bone scales, finely painted with floral and knights decorations. Central MOP plate. Steel bolsters and liners.
37 cm long when folded (including the tiny bail), blade is full and measures 33,5 cm long
Wonderful conditions mainly considering age and type, full blade with minor pitting or staining. Some up and down play in the locked open position

No chips or cracks to the antique scales.