Miniature Antique Swedish Curly Birch Barrel Knife by Aktiebolaget Pontus Holmberg of Eskilstuna

Here on offer is a rarer miniature version of an antique Swedish curly birch barrel knife by Aktiebolaget Pontus Holmberg of Eskilstuna, Sweden, circa 1920.

A.B.P. Holmberg (Aktiebolaget Pontus Holmberg) was a renowned Swedish cutlery manufacturer based in Eskilstuna, Sweden, recognized for producing high-quality knives, particularly their distinctive "barrel knives" (slidkniv).

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).

The company was sold in 1951 to Heljestrand industries, but continued producing knives under its name until closing in the early 1960s.

These barrel knives were used for hunting, fishing and these smaller versions mainly for wood carving.

This knife would have originally had about a 1.75” long cutting edge steel blade. But sadly, at some point in its life the end has been broken or damaged and it has then been reshaped and sharpened, resulting in a shorter 1.25” long blade. The blade is actually in excellent condition, with a polished finish.

The folding blade has 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The folded blade can then be withdrawn from the handle, opened and then pushed back in and through the hilt until it clicks in place.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 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 and retain a bright polished finish.

On one side of the brass scales, it is stamped with the maker’s details:

A.B.P. HOLMBERG
ESKILSTUNA
SWEDEN

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

Even though the blade has been shortened, the overall condition of the knife is excellent and it is unusual to find the steel fittings without some pitting or greying to the finish.

It still makes a great addition to any knife collection, with its unique mechanism and small size.

Open, the whole knife measures 43” (11cm) long including the lanyard ring and it weighs 24g.

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: 52275