D-922
Antique French Pocket Knife by Coutaret. 43 cm. France, 19th century
A simple, antique pocket knife signed by Coutaret. Made in the 19th century. In good condition.
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Antique French pocket knife by Coutaret, 43 cm, France, 19th century
This impressive and elegant 19th-century French pocket knife, signed by the manufacturer COUTARET, is a true testament to the utilitarian design of the era, striking a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. With a total length of 43 cm when open and 23 cm when closed, this piece stands out both for its size and the harmony of its materials.
The handle, made of ivory-white bone or antler plates, exudes an understated, natural elegance that has stood the test of time with dignity. The scales are securely riveted with brass pins, a classic detail that ensures strength and durability. The metal reinforcement at the lower end acts as a butt plate and features a small ring made of the same metal, possibly intended for threading a strap or simply as a decorative finial. Each brass segment between the plates contributes not only to the aesthetics but also to the sturdiness of the handle.
The blade, large in size and featuring a clip-point or notched tip design, is an icon of the style of the great 19th-century combat or civil defence knives. Forged from steel with a natural patina, it bears the marks of time without losing its integrity. On one side, the COUTARET stamp is still clearly visible, accompanied by the symbol of a staffa French brand whose historical origins are difficult to trace but which was widely recognised due to its distribution in Spain during the 19th century. It was not uncommon for knives of this type to be imported from France and then redistributed by Spanish firms such as Valero Jun., which was very active at the time.
Despite being over a hundred years old, the piece is in excellent condition. The blade shows signs of surface oxidation and wear, which, far from diminishing its value, reaffirm its authenticity and character. The handle scales, complete and free of fractures, retain the original design and a strong presence, befitting a prestigious tool.
Pocket knives of this type were used for both everyday tasks and self-defence, making their sturdiness crucial. Today, they are highly prized by collectors for their unusual size, precise craftsmanship, and the quality of their materials. It is ideal for those seeking a piece with history to add to a collection of antique cutlery, as well as for those who desire a unique object with great decorative potential in rustic or vintage settings.
A one-of-a-kind piece, steeped in history and presence, ready to be proudly displayed in any display case or collection.
Dimensions: 43 cm open, 23 cm closed (16.93 in / 9.06 in).
History of Coutaret
The Coutaret brand, whose signature is engraved on the blade of this pocket knife, is part of the 19th-century French cutlery traditiona period of remarkable expansion in the production and export of pocket knives from France throughout Europe, including Spain. Although historical records do not contain much specific information about this manufacturer, it is known that Coutaret was part of a group of workshops located primarily in Thiers, the city that has been the heart of French cutlery for centuries. Pocket knives bearing this name arrived in Spain in large quantities, often in batches that were later redistributed under Spanish brand names.
During the 19th century, demand for cutlery increased considerably due to the boom in rural activities, the expansion of the railroads, and the need for practical and effective personal tools. Knives like this onelarge, with pointed and sturdy bladeswere ideal for both farm work and personal defence. Furthermore, French designs were highly prized for their balance between simplicity and style, which facilitated their acceptance and marketing in neighbouring countries. Brands such as Coutaret were renowned not only for the quality of their blades but also for their functional finishes, featuring well-crafted rivets and blades with proper heat treatment.
These pocket knives were often purchased by Spanish merchants and relabeled, then sold in traditional cutlery shops under domestic brand names. The Valero Jun. company, for example, was one that frequently acquired French pieces and marketed them as its own. Today, collectors deeply appreciate these types of pieces both for their quality and their rarity, since there are no systematic production records and each example represents a living part of the history of European cutlery.
This impressive and elegant 19th-century French pocket knife, signed by the manufacturer COUTARET, is a true testament to the utilitarian design of the era, striking a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. With a total length of 43 cm when open and 23 cm when closed, this piece stands out both for its size and the harmony of its materials.
The handle, made of ivory-white bone or antler plates, exudes an understated, natural elegance that has stood the test of time with dignity. The scales are securely riveted with brass pins, a classic detail that ensures strength and durability. The metal reinforcement at the lower end acts as a butt plate and features a small ring made of the same metal, possibly intended for threading a strap or simply as a decorative finial. Each brass segment between the plates contributes not only to the aesthetics but also to the sturdiness of the handle.
The blade, large in size and featuring a clip-point or notched tip design, is an icon of the style of the great 19th-century combat or civil defence knives. Forged from steel with a natural patina, it bears the marks of time without losing its integrity. On one side, the COUTARET stamp is still clearly visible, accompanied by the symbol of a staffa French brand whose historical origins are difficult to trace but which was widely recognised due to its distribution in Spain during the 19th century. It was not uncommon for knives of this type to be imported from France and then redistributed by Spanish firms such as Valero Jun., which was very active at the time.
Despite being over a hundred years old, the piece is in excellent condition. The blade shows signs of surface oxidation and wear, which, far from diminishing its value, reaffirm its authenticity and character. The handle scales, complete and free of fractures, retain the original design and a strong presence, befitting a prestigious tool.
Pocket knives of this type were used for both everyday tasks and self-defence, making their sturdiness crucial. Today, they are highly prized by collectors for their unusual size, precise craftsmanship, and the quality of their materials. It is ideal for those seeking a piece with history to add to a collection of antique cutlery, as well as for those who desire a unique object with great decorative potential in rustic or vintage settings.
A one-of-a-kind piece, steeped in history and presence, ready to be proudly displayed in any display case or collection.
Dimensions: 43 cm open, 23 cm closed (16.93 in / 9.06 in).
History of Coutaret
The Coutaret brand, whose signature is engraved on the blade of this pocket knife, is part of the 19th-century French cutlery traditiona period of remarkable expansion in the production and export of pocket knives from France throughout Europe, including Spain. Although historical records do not contain much specific information about this manufacturer, it is known that Coutaret was part of a group of workshops located primarily in Thiers, the city that has been the heart of French cutlery for centuries. Pocket knives bearing this name arrived in Spain in large quantities, often in batches that were later redistributed under Spanish brand names.
During the 19th century, demand for cutlery increased considerably due to the boom in rural activities, the expansion of the railroads, and the need for practical and effective personal tools. Knives like this onelarge, with pointed and sturdy bladeswere ideal for both farm work and personal defence. Furthermore, French designs were highly prized for their balance between simplicity and style, which facilitated their acceptance and marketing in neighbouring countries. Brands such as Coutaret were renowned not only for the quality of their blades but also for their functional finishes, featuring well-crafted rivets and blades with proper heat treatment.
These pocket knives were often purchased by Spanish merchants and relabeled, then sold in traditional cutlery shops under domestic brand names. The Valero Jun. company, for example, was one that frequently acquired French pieces and marketed them as its own. Today, collectors deeply appreciate these types of pieces both for their quality and their rarity, since there are no systematic production records and each example represents a living part of the history of European cutlery.