Rizzuto Estileto Milano 7 inch (18cm) Vintage Japanese swing guard switchblade

Vintage Rizzuto Estileto Milano 18cm swing guard automatic knife. These Rizzuto knives were used in a lot of movies from the 1960s through the 90s and are therefore very popular with switchblade & movie enthusiasts. This is a less common smaller 7 inch size and the most common color, black. These knives were actually made in Japan in the 1960s and 70s mostly and were inspired by Italian switchblades of the era. They were very affordable which is probably why they were often used by movie prop departments. This one measures 18cm (7 inches) open and 4 inches closed not counting the guards with steel liners and bolsters and brass button, safety and pins. The bayonet blade is 98% full or better with most of the original factory finish and lots of light scratches. The tang is stamped STAINLESS STEEL and RIZZUTO ESTILETO MILANO is stamped along the spine. The black synthetic scales are in fair condition and look to have been intentionally roughed up to create a different finish that's interesting. The knife works well with the blade tip even with the liners closed, good snap and average lockup with about 1/16 inch movement each way at the tip open. Rattles if shaken with blade open. Interesting delay when pressing the button where it actually opens as the button returns, but always opens fully. Decent example of a rare size Rizzuto. Safety works. VG- condition.