Large antique navaja, 57 cms. Châtellerault, France, 1850

Awesome antique navaja-folding knife, big in size and with hand-decorated scales embellished with mother-of-pearl details. When the blade is out, the knife is 57 cm long (more than 22'') and turns into an impressive weapon with a strong personality. The folding knife comes from the French Châutellet region and is dated in the mid 19th century (1850); it is a very antique piece that has survived to our days in excellent condition. It maintains all its original component parts and decorative details and is wonderfully preserved; the metal parts show off a fine antique patina that provides the knife with interest and originality without undermining its great attractive. The knifes scales (the side parts that make up the handle) are powerfully remarkable for their refined aesthetics. They are made of bone and are composed of four complete pieces, decorated with shadowlike motives and with mother-of-pearl bands between them. The scales mounted on one of the handles sides are decorated with smiling anthropomorphic figures dressed like soldiers. The figures are carrying swords and show some hand-painted black details: the facial features, the buttons of the jackets They are charming and naïve-style images. On the other side of the handle, the bone pieces are decorated with delicate flowery motifs carefully performed. The decoration is performed directly on the bone surface: the motifs are natural-bone-colored and their surroundings have been slightly darkened in order to highlight them. The result looks like wood marquetry and is elegant and delicate. The natural-mother-of-pearl bands that separate the bone pieces are in perfect condition too; they are riveted directly to the steel pieces that support the scales and hide the blade when folded. These pieces show off a discreet decoration composed of slim parallel lines. The blade is made of steel too and remains in great condition; when it is out the folding knife becomes a fearsome weapon, but also a very decorative piece. The collectors of antique swords will find a real treasure in this antique folding knife, a high-quality weapon full of personality and power. Measurements: Folded: 12.20 in / 31 cm. Unfolded: 22.44 in / 57 cm.