SHAPLEIGH HARDWARE Vintage A5 Fishtail Butter & Molasses switchblade knife

SHAPLEIGH HARDWARE Vintage Fishtail Butter & Molasses switchblade knife. Designated the model A5 it measures 4 inches closed and 7.25 inches open with brass liners and nickel silver bolsters, button and safety cap. The carbon steel clip blade is marked SHAPLEIGH HDW CO around a diamond shape with the letters DE inside and is nearly full (96%) with light patina, light scratches and some spotting. Surprisingly the original DIAMOND EDGE blade etch is still mostly visible on the side of the blade, though you have to turn it to the light to make it out. These etches usually disappeared from use. The back tang is marked US PATS DEC 09, SEPT 10 and JUNE 16. The Butter & Molasses (Brown lined cream) celluloid scales are in very nice condition with light scuffs and scratches from nearly 100 years of handling and still very beautiful. The knife works well with blade tip below the liners closed, opens fully and fair lockup with about 3/16" up and down at the tip. Safety works. VG+ condition.