Vintage American CHALLENGE CUTLERY CORP  FLY-LOCK KNIFE COMPANY (1899-1929) Bridgeport, CT Swing Guard Switchblade with Black Grooved Bakelite Handles 

Made prior to 1920, this is a superb example for a knife to be over 100 years old!  A true example of vintage Americana; the FLYLOCK brings back memories of the "good ole days"!  Extremely hard to find this model. This fine example features Black Grooved Bakelite handles. No pin cracks evident.

The FLYLOCK was named for the release button which you slide downward to activate the blade. Since you have to slide the release button downward this substitutes for the safety. Measures 5" closed.

 Features a 3 3/4" Mirror Polished (3 3/8" sharpened edge) clip point blade. Blade is clean and full with only minor staining and very little scratch marks. 

Flylock referred to the carbon steel blade as "heavy forged crucible steel" . Switchblade opening Action is superb. This is one of the easier FLYLOCK models to operate, as many find that sliding the button downward is difficult to do, and original owners would often carve the handle material out around the button slide for better access. Blade seats deep in the handle below the steel liners. Blade has some  up & down movement in the open position.

Overall a superb example of a vintage American classic.  Tang stampings are clean and sharp and read "CHALLENGE CUT. CO B'PORT. CONN" on the frontside with "FLY-LOCK U.S. PAT. MARCH 5 1918." on the backside. Features a nickel silver bolsters, release button, and nickel silver swing guard with steel liners. Clean on the inside!

These are very rare. This is a earlier version than the Fly-Lock marked models, and does not have a lanyard hole in the handle. Condition is Very Good - Excellent. Includes a custom zippered pouch.