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THBRare AJ Morse Trigger Release Mechanical Dive Knife
About Seller
448 S. Pattie Ave
Wichita, KS 67211
United States
Nation’s Attic Incorporated is located in Wichita, KS. As a full time business we offer expert factory correct restoration & repair services for antique slot machines made from the 1880’s to 1950. Only dealing in authentic examples of antique slot machines, we are one of the few remaining full time ...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
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About Auction
LiveAug 10, 2024
The Nation's Attic is hosting its annual Diving Into History auction on Saturday, August 10th, 2024. This year's event promises to be an extraordinary one, featuring a treasure trove of antique diving helmets and other related underwater treasures. Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com
View Full Catalog (281)
- Lot Description
The 1917 AJ Morse catalog features three different knives with one virtually known to collectors today – the "spring lock" mechanism knife. This intriguing design, arguably one of the rarest American diving knives ever made, was advertised for its ease of use: "much more easily withdrawn from the sheath than the screw pattern."So, why are these knives practically invisible to collectors? The answer likely lies in one of two possibilities:
Cost factor: Integrating the mechanical locking feature into the handle might have made them too expensive for widespread adoption.
Navy's rejection: Perhaps the US Navy, a key customer for diving equipment, didn't approve of the design, leading to its limited use by commercial divers.
While the reasons behind its rarity remain shrouded in mystery, a few of these exceptional knives have fortunately survived. This particular one is in outstanding condition!
The knife functions by pushing a trigger located on one edge of the flat brass handle. This trigger or push button then disengages a hook, allowing the knife to be removed from a flat brass sheath. The handle has two flathead screws that are part of the spring-loaded trigger mechanism. The design is simple, effective, and much quicker than threading the knife into a sheath. This efficiency may have also led divers to mistakenly think the blade was locked into the sheath, resulting in blades falling out and getting lost.
As shown in the photos, this example is in very nice condition. The trigger mechanism works correctly. There are no stamps or manufacturer names on the knife or sheath. The presence of a similar example in the 1917 AJ Morse catalog is the only indication of who made this special design. Overall the knife weighs 3 pounds 15 ounces. It has a unique visual appearance that sets it apart from all other American knives of the period. Without a doubt, this knife would be the key centerpiece of any collection.
International bidders are advised that some countries do not allow the importation of knives. Nations Attic is not responsible for shipping charges going or coming back if your country's customs denies delivery. Rejected items can be consigned into a future sale as there are no refunds.
All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. DHL Express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code. International bidders are advised that some countries do not allow the importation of knives. Nations Attic is not responsible for shipping charges going or coming back if your countries customs denies delivery. Rejected items can be consigned into a future sale as there are no refunds. - Shipping Info
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Shipping fees listed with each lot pertain to domestic shipping only (contiguous or lower 48). International bidders are subject to higher shipping fees. Please inquire about shipping to a particular country before the start of the auction. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via DHL Express or FedEx Express. USPS is no longer used for international shipments due to issues with tracking packages. Insurance: All items are insured for the full purchase amount less carrier shipping charges, or the maximum amount allowed by the carrier and/or country of destination. Insurance is included in the specified shipping amount listed in the shipping section of the final invoice pricing. All invoices are sent with insurance already factored into the shipping charge. The customer has the right to waive any insurance amount by providing written consent that the customer will not hold Nations Attic, Inc. or its shipping carriers responsible for damaged and/or lost shipments due to uninsured/under insured packages. In some instances, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) reserve the right to only ship certain items if insurance is purchased for the full amount of the item(s) being shipped. International buyers are responsible for all duties and taxes. If shipment is rejected, buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs or disposal fees incurred.
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