Antique Swedish Pontus Holmberg of Eskilstuna - Curly Birch Barrel Knife

Here on offer is an antique Swedish Pontus Holmberg of Eskilstuna, curly birch barrel knife with concealed folding steel blade, circa 1920.

I believe Holmberg made these from 1900 to around 1950 and I think this is an earlier produced example.

Pontus Holmberg (1852 – 1893) started his factory in 1876 (Aktiebolaget Pontus Holmberg).
When Pontus died in 1893, the company was first operated by Pontus’ brother Fritiof Holmberg (1860 – 1911) and later by Fritiof’s sons Fritiof Ragnar (1889 – 1916) and Fritiof Ruben (1893 – 1952).
In 1951, the company was sold to Heljestrands industries. The company produced barrel knives at least until 1954 and finally closed its doors in the early 1960's.

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

The folding 3” drop point steel blade has a 2.5” cutting edge with brass scales and sits, folded, inside the barrel shaped curly birch wood handle.

The blade is released by depression of a 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The folded blade can then be withdrawn from the handle, opened and then pushed back in and through the hilt until it clicks in place. Inserting and removing the blade is a very tight fit on this example, but makes for a very solid fit when used.

The steel ferrule and butt cap with a locking catch and lanyard ring lug, are undamaged but now show signs of greying and light pitting to the metal.

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


P. HOLMBERG
ESKILSTUNA
SWEDEN


The blade has surface scratches and greying to the finish, some of which may polish out? The very tip also looks to be slightly rounded through use.

The curly birch barrel grip is in beautiful condition and has light colour to the wood.

The knife is in used, but good 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 70g.

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: 51852