Antique Swedish Johan Engström of Eskilstuna - Curly Birch Barrel Knife with Concealed Folding Steel Blade

Here on offer is a fine example of an antique Swedish Johan Engström of Eskilstuna, curly birch barrel knife with concealed folding steel blade.

One of the most successful Swedish Eskilstuna cutlers was Johan Engström (1846 – 1915).

Before setting up his factory in 1874 (Fabriksaktiebolaget Johan Engström), Johan had worked with cutlers and studied knife production in both Sheffield (G. Westerholm & Son) and Solingen Germany.

In his early years, Johan mainly produced razors and daggers. Johan added barrel knives to his production line in the 1870’s.

The company produced high-quality barrel knives and received international recognition at shows in Sweden, France, U.S.A., and Canada.

At one time the well-known US importer Edward Zinn ordered 3000 dozen barrel knives from the Engström company.

Johan died in 1915 which marked the end of the Engström company and the production of these knives.

These barrel knives were used for hunting and fishing and have an ingenious mechanism.

The folding 4” drop point steel blade has a 3” cutting edge with brass scales and sits, folded, inside the barrel shaped curly birch wood handle.

The blade is released by depression of a ribbed steel lever at the butt of the handle.

The folded blade can then be withdrawn from the handle, opened and then pushed back in and through the hilt until it clicks in place.

The steel ferrule and butt cap with locking catch and lanyard ring lug are undamaged and function as they should.

The blade’s brass scales are undamaged and on one side is stamped:

18 74 together with an arrow and J E, the trademark of Johan Engström.

On the other side it is stamped:

JOH ENGSTROM
ESKILSTUNA
SWEDEN

The blade has some light surface scratches to the finish that would polish out.

On one side it is stamped:

JOH ENGSTROM
ESKILSTUNA

The knife is just in excellent condition and makes a great addition to any knife collection, with its unique mechanism.

Open, the whole knife measures 7.75” (19.7cm) long including the lanyard ring and it weighs 80g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51374