Large Antique Knife – Large French Navaja – Thiers – Cutlery

A large antique folding knife of the navaja type, made in Thiers for Valero Jun, a prominent hardware merchant based in Zaragoza. This production reflects the trade between cutlery makers in the Massif Central region of France and the Iberian market at the end of the 19th century. The steel blade, with its slender shape and slightly curved back, is remarkably unengraved, whereas this type of knife is most often marked with the inscription "Valero Jun Zaragoza." It retains a perfectly formed point, a still-sharp edge, as well as a slight old dent and some traces of oxidation consistent with its age. The handle features a particularly expressive polychrome design: one side alternates white and blue tinted horn scales, while the other side combines red, white, and blue scales. The whole is secured with decorative rivets and embellished with small raised brass flowers. A few minor losses of horn are visible, but these are insignificant and do not detract from the knife's overall strength or aesthetic appeal. The brass bolsters are in good condition and contribute to the knife's balance and elegance. The spring-loaded locking mechanism is solid, well-fitted, and fully functional. The knife displays a beautiful, even, antique patina, attesting to its careful use over time. A superb piece illustrating the cutlery expertise of Thiers and the production intended for export to Spain, representative of the industrial and commercial history of the Massif Central. Condition: Beautiful antique patina, signs of use and oxidation, slight old dent on the blade, a few minor losses of horn, functional mechanism. Dimensions: Total length open: 43 cm Length closed: 23 cm Shipping: Exclusively via DHL Express, secure packaging, tracking, and insurance.