C. JUL. HERBERTZ Extremely Rare Vintage Italian Made Classic "Trap Door"  Front Opener

Features lightweight knurled Aluminum Handles with integral bolsters . Traditional looking classic with push button and sliding red dot safety, but the blade opens from the front. Gravity close by pressing on the button, then you reset the blade by closing the "trap door". Mirror polished stainless blade measures 3 1/2" with a false top edge (swedge). Blade is full. Measures 4 3/4" closed. 

Extremely rare piece in very good condition. Trap door closure.  Red Dot Safety works fine. 1950-60's vintage. Excellent front opening action. Opens automatically by pressing the button (you must hold the blade downward), closes via gravity~You must hold the handle upward and when you press the button, the blade falls back into the handle. (Blade will extend out of the handle approx 1/4"), then you push the the blade tip into the handle using the trap door. (Same design as the vintage German Made Bonsa models). 

Marked "C. JUL HERBERTZ IMPORT" on the front tang and "PATENT ROSTFREI" on the backside. (Herbertz was/is an import company, they do not manufacture knives). (Herbertz is not the same as Hubertus which is a completely different company that made lever lock style switchblades).   RARE PIECE! This model is most commonly found with Buffalo Horn handles. Much less common with metal handles.

This is a vintage piece for knowledgeable collectors. Don't compare it to a Benchmade or Microtech. It  has movement in the open position and must be held downward to lock open properly. It is a "delicate" piece and is not designed to be used on a daily basis to open boxes or to skin a deer.    Includes a custom zippered pouch.