Early "Transitional" "VIRGINIA" Marked Italian Switchblade Classic with Buffalo Horn Handles. 

This early 11" Italian Made Transitional piece was made during the 60's and features a 4 3/4" standard flat ground blade with a 2" "swedge" grind on the top edge. Blade features 440 Series stainless. Swivel Bolster design. This model is referred to as a "transitional" piece because it was made right after they switched over from the "picklock" design to the "swivel bolster" release. Horn is all black on the front side; backside shows exceptional coloring.

"Picklock" refers to the way you unlock the Italian Classic when it is open..The old ones (typically pre 1958), you had to take your thumb and index finger and pull back on the backspring to unlock it..Recently, (last 10 years or so), they, (Campolin & Beltrame), have made new, mainly limited edition models with the picklock design.

This model measures 6" closed, the flat ground blade which is thicker than current production models measures 4 7/8". Backspring is thicker than current models (4mm). Tang is marked "VIRGINIA INOX" . This early model also features brass lined bolsters, (current manufactured models are typically unlined stainless ).

This knife is in Fair Condition.  (This piece is NOT mint) = Blade hugs one side of the liner. Horn has some "curling" at the top bolster on the front side and at the bottom bolster (backside) =(see pics). Blade shows some handling marks and has been sharpened. Some "bug bites" evident around the push button. Blade has some up/down and side to side movement in the open position. Co-Sign piece.