Navette Knives

The navette knife is a folding knife whose blade, shaped like a spindle or weaver's shuttle, folds into a handle of matching contour, giving the closed object an oval, symmetrical silhouette. Emerging in France during the XVIII th century, it reached its peak in the XIX th century, particularly in the cutlery centres of Thiers, Châtellerault and Nogent. Its purpose was primarily practical — cutting string, fruit or cheese in daily use — yet the quality of its execution made it equally a pocket accessory worthy of being given as a gift or proudly displayed. Houses such as Pradel of Thiers, as well as certain Parisian goldsmiths, produced fine examples, sometimes intended for a bourgeois or aristocratic clientele.

Handles draw on a variety of materials according to the standing of the piece: quality mother-of-pearl, blonde or black horn, worked bone, and, for the most sought-after examples, solid silver or silver-plated metal adorned with filigree, guilloche engraving or repoussé floral motifs. Blades are generally of forged steel, sometimes engraved or stamped with the maker's name. Certain examples bear guarantee or titre hallmarks on their metal parts — invaluable reference points for establishing origin and period of manufacture.

For a collector, several points warrant careful examination: the quality of the pivot and the action of the spring mechanism, which should remain firm and precise; the condition of the blade, free from deep pitting or clumsy re-grinding; the legibility of any hallmarks and a possible cutler's signature; and finally, the integrity of the handle, which is particularly susceptible to cracking in the case of mother-of-pearl or bone. A complete, unrestored piece bearing identifiable hallmarks represents the standard of excellence expected by discerning collectors.