z Rare CAMCO Snap-it Vintage Camillus Backspring release automatic knife from 1940s

Rare CAMCO Snap-it Vintage Camillus Backspring release automatic knife from 1940s. This is one of two production switchblade knives made by Camillus Cutlery Co of  Camillus, NY with the other being the MC1 orange military issue paratrooper knife which they made about 20 years later. This knife was designated the "Flylock 80" and was designed to compete with George Schrade's low cost pull ball advertising knives. Both companies wanted to provide cheap advertising switchblades for their customers and both examples have no button or safety which leaves both sides of the knives open for advertising. These knives were also trademarked "Snap-it", which is printed on the back scale of this knife. It measures 3 1/8" closed and 5 1/4" open with brass liners and nickel silver tip bolsters. The flat grind spear blade is 99% full with much of the original factory finish with some light spotting and the tang is stamped CAMCO USA. The synthetic imitation pearl scales are very attractive with Snap-it in blue printed on the back scale and are in excellent condition. To open the knife you press on the exposed backspring in the "half moon" cutout near the bottom/back of the knife. It takes two hands to open. To close you press the same release to unlock the blade to be pushed closed. The knife works well with blade tip seating deep in the well closed, opens fully and locks up well. Does not rattle if shaken with the blade open. These are pretty hard to find knives. EX condition.