Info needed - ROMO Italy switch

[CTAYLORMAN]

Looking for some info on this old knife. I am unable to figure out how to close it. The person I bought it from a while back called it a “picklock” and he was able to open and close it several times but I cant fugure it out for some reason. I am also looking for general info on this knife as far as collectibiliry, possible value etc…Goins shows Romo Italy knives dated as far back as 1917. Any info is always appreciated.

[OLDE CUTLER]

IMG_8593.jpegIMG_8594.jpegIMG_8595.jpegIMG_8596.jpegIMG_8598.jpegIMG_8599.jpegIMG_8600.jpegIMG_8593.jpeg

None of your pictures posted. This can be seen if the preview is used prior to submit. Some additional work is needed here.

[CTAYLORMAN]

Not sure what to do? I have posted on here in the past but its been a long time. Any suggestions to get my pics to show? Not sure why my post would show and not my pics?

[OLDE CUTLER]

Not sure what to do? I have posted on here in the past but its been a long time. Any suggestions to get my pics to show? Not sure why my post would show and not my pics?

They are on now.

[Rockingkj]

To close the knife lift up on the steel piece in front of the guard that will unlock the blade and fold close. Not seeing locking hole in the blade so not thinking this was ever a switchblade.

[CTAYLORMAN]

Yes you are right, I dont think it was ever a switch either. Not sure what I was thinking posting to the switchblade forum

[Bill DeShivs]

It was never a switchblade.
Put your thumbnail under the steel tab on top of the front bolsters and "pick" the lock.

[Good Old Luke]

Well,it’s got a nail-nick. Is it an auto now? A conversion?
Reminds me of a Kisssing Crane, manual stiletto, that I gifted to the drummer of my band, nearly 35 year ago. Not the pattern so much, but the manual, nail-nick and blade shape.
He carried it for years.
Are the areas of blue a patch of deteriorating horn?

[Killgar]

ROMO made a lot of odd manual stilettos, including false-button stilettos and non-locking stilettos. These were made using unfinished switchblade parts after the 1958 switchblade importation ban went into effect here in the US. The importation of manual stilettos was still legal though

I wouldn't be surprised if CTAYLORMAN's knife started out as a false-button like the ROMO manual pick-lock pictured below.

[Good Old Luke]

ROMO made a lot of odd manual stilettos, including false-button stilettos and non-locking stilettos. These were made using unfinished switchblade parts after the 1958 switchblade importation ban went into effect here in the US. The importation of manual stilettos was still legal though

I wouldn't be surprised if CTAYLORMAN's knife started out as a false-button like the ROMO manual pick-lock pictured below.

That might account for the weird blue “patch.” Filling in the false button hole?

[Killgar]

ROMO made a lot of odd manual stilettos, including false-button stilettos and non-locking stilettos. These were made using unfinished switchblade parts after the 1958 switchblade importation ban went into effect here in the US. The importation of manual stilettos was still legal though

I wouldn't be surprised if CTAYLORMAN's knife started out as a false-button like the ROMO manual pick-lock pictured below.

That might account for the weird blue “patch.” Filling in the false button hole?

That was my guess. Looks like an amateur attempt at a turquois inlay.

[Good Old Luke]

ROMO made a lot of odd manual stilettos, including false-button stilettos and non-locking stilettos. These were made using unfinished switchblade parts after the 1958 switchblade importation ban went into effect here in the US. The importation of manual stilettos was still legal though

I wouldn't be surprised if CTAYLORMAN's knife started out as a false-button like the ROMO manual pick-lock pictured below.

That might account for the weird blue “patch.” Filling in the false button hole?

That was my guess. Looks like an amateur attempt at a turquois inlay.

I had a similar thought. Looks like some kind of auto putty.