Latama Flatguard

[roostershooter]

I just found this Latama flatguard wasp. 9 inch knife that probably should be restored. It is seen alot of use! Hard knife to find.

[knife7knut]

Nice catch! That is interesting in that it appears that the hole for the latch pin goes completely through the tang.What is the problem with it;is the spring broken? If so is it a slip in spring or is the spring made as one piece with the back spring? I have a couple Italians that are constructed as such and hope the spring never decides to break.Looks to be in decent shape.

[roostershooter]

The hole does go all the way through. Seems too large too. The spring is fine and is a dove tailed spring. The button spring is a bit weak. it does peak and that maybe the result of making the hole larger?!

[wiseguy]

That is a scarce one Jim I have a similar old Latama that I fixed up with the lock hole like that ..... I believe it to be original

[Bill DeShivs]

Those Latamas were made in Frosolone, Italy. Most of the Latamas were made in Maniago.
I am the only certified Latama repair center. Certified by both Sam Polk, deceased (original Latama owner,) and the current owner- Walt Halucha.

[roostershooter]

the more i look at the knife, the more i do think the hole is original to the knife. the blade is short, about an 1/8. like you said, scarce knife!

[Sticks of Fire]

Nice Latamas. Actually the two knives shown in this thread are two completely different knives.

Roostershooter's is a Maniago made knife. Most likely made between late 1947 and 1951. It's hard to say if this is one of the very rare Large frame wasps or not, unless we see some more photos.

The knife that wiseguy posted is one of the 19.5cm knives that Latama had produced by the makers in Frosolone between Jan 1951-mid 1951. The edges of the lock plate taper downwards while most are just flat. There are three versions of these Frosolone made Latamas. Combined about 12-18 are known.

Great knives guys!

[Bill DeShivs]

I stand corrected!

[wiseguy]

Nice Latamas. Actually the two knives shown in this thread are two completely different knives.

Roostershooter's is a Maniago made knife. Most likely made between late 1947 and 1951. It's hard to say if this is one of the very rare Large frame wasps or not, unless we see some more photos.

The knife that wiseguy posted is one of the 19.5cm knives that Latama had produced by the makers in Frosolone between Jan 1951-mid 1951. The edges of the lock plate taper downwards while most are just flat. There are three versions of these Frosolone made Latamas. Combined about 12-18 are known.

Great knives guys!

Thanks for the clarification/ info Charley

[zed6309]

That a beauty, great find