Simmons HDWE CO - Switchblade

[cincitime]

I purchased this about 1979. At the time I was told that it was considered an "American Push Button" but made in Germany for Simmons Hardware of St Lewis. One side of the blade reads Simmons HDWE CO and below Germany. On the other side is O.R.G.M. FOREIGN. The knife is in mint condition. The knife is spring-operated but it opens by pressing down and moving the handle slightly sideways, no button, no indication of how to open it. Unlike a two-way knife that is similar in how it opens, this one can not be opened by hand. The movement of the handle is actually like the depression of the button that releases the blade. I'm not able to find another knife like it making it hard for me to establish a value for the knife.

[Madmarco]

I purchased this about 1979. At the time I was told that it was considered an "American Push Button" but made in Germany for Simmons Hardware of St Lewis. One side of the blade reads Simmons HDWE CO and below Germany. On the other side is O.R.G.M. FOREIGN. The knife is in mint condition. The knife is spring-operated but it opens by pressing down and moving the handle slightly sideways, no button, no indication of how to open it. Unlike a two-way knife that is similar in how it opens, this one can not be opened by hand. The movement of the handle is actually like the depression of the button that releases the blade. I'm not able to find another knife like it making it hard for me to establish a value for the knife.

Hey Cin! I can't help with your questions regarding your knife, but I can say it's totally cool! Just wait patiently and someone will be along who can help. And, to AAPK!

[lt632ret]

This is a backspring release type knife. It can be found in Meyers introduction to switchblades circa 1980.Page 69 its value in the book is 120.00 I cannot tell you the value today except that it is rare I do not have one and would offer 500.00 lt632ret@frontiernet.net. either way good luck with it.LT Lt632ret@frontiernet.net

[Bill DeShivs]

Your knife was made by Wilhelm Weltersbach in Solingen, Germany.
The marking is "D.R.G.M." which is a post WW2 patent-type marking.
The mechanism is known as a "scale release."

[cincitime]

Thank you for the updates. I had no idea what it was called. It's one of my favorites. I'm inventorying all my knives and considering selling the entire collection. I collect mostly American Switchblades but I have a few from others as well. I have been collecting since 1970. I'm shocked at the prices people are asking. Not as much fun as it used to be when you stumble on something at a flea market or tradeshow.

[lt632ret]

Hello I have been involved with switchblades for 65 years I am always looking for unusual pieces which I may not have. There are not many . I wrote the book The collectors guide to switchblade knives. That was around 2000 I own everything in the book. There is a lot more now. Please keep me in mind should you consider selling. I do not lust for these as I used to now it is more just filling in spots in my collection like a puzzel. At this stage i have no idea what will become of my collection so I understand the situation of valuation. and disposition of these iconic bits of history. If I can be of any assistance please feel free to contact me. Highest regards LT

[Madmarco]

Hello I have been involved with switchblades for 65 years I am always looking for unusual pieces which I may not have. There are not many . I wrote the book The collectors guide to switchblade knives. That was around 2000 I own everything in the book. There is a lot more now. Please keep me in mind should you consider selling. I do not lust for these as I used to now it is more just filling in spots in my collection like a puzzel. At this stage i have no idea what will become of my collection so I understand the situation of valuation. and disposition of these iconic bits of history. If I can be of any assistance please feel free to contact me. Highest regards LT

Hey LT! Would you kindly tell me where I can acquire a copy of your book? Thanks! Mark!

[lt632ret]

Thankyou for your interest.They do come up on ebay every so often. However i do have a few copies left . I had them on my store LT LTD cutlery collectibles ( right here on AAPK ) However the ad is from 2016 so I just renewed it and activated it for one copy. I only have a handful left from the second or third printing. My publisher Paladin Press is no longer around. Thanks again and please let me know if you would like it personalized ( signed). Regards LT

[Madmarco]

Thankyou for your interest.They do come up on ebay every so often. However i do have a few copies left . I had them on my store LT LTD cutlery collectibles ( right here on AAPK ) However the ad is from 2016 so I just renewed it and activated it for one copy. I only have a handful left from the second or third printing. My publisher Paladin Press is no longer around. Thanks again and please let me know if you would like it personalized ( signed). Regards LT

TYVM for the info and link LT! I'll need to put some funds together, and when I do I'll likely buy a copy. Thanks again! Mark!

[lt632ret]

I understand thankyou again for your interest. LT