Antique Navaja Valero Jun, Zaragoza. Manufactured in 1850

Awesome antique navaja-folding knife in good condition, a gorgeous big-sized weapon. This knife is signed Valero Jun, Zaragoza and is dated in the mid 19th century (1850). The weapon is a very remarkable piece for its fine handle, made of brass and iron, and for its long blade. Once unfolded, the blade turns the knife into a 41-cm-long piece (more than 16''). The blade is complete in all its size and the handle preserves the finely-decorated scales, original from the time. The handle shows off a lovely cut-off symmetrical shape, quite stylized, that makes it easier to grip. The metal base is profusely decorated with brass and horn pieces in very good condition. The horn pieces show off a wide arrange of fine colors, from bone white to reddish Brown. The colors are fancifully scattered, creating lovely contrasts and organic and natural shadows. In order to separate the horn pieces, the forger added some brass details. The fine rivets that attach the decorative pieces to the handles are made of brass too. The blade is gorgeously shaped and bears the signature VALERO JUN clearly engraved in the metal surface. The metal is greatly preserved; it shows off the fine patina created by the trace of time, but is free of rust and looks really fine. For its fascinating presence and its beauty, this striking antique Valero Jun knife will stand out in the most prestigious weapon collection. Measurements: Folded: 8.86 in / 22.5 cm. Unfolded: 16.14 in / 41 cm.Valero Jun Knifes - History The knives and folding knives signed by Valero Jun Zaragoza (Spain) were actually manufactured in the French town of Thiers. In the 19th century, the Spanish weapon market found itself deprived of the steel that came from Mondragon (a village in the Basque Country), as king Felipe II ordered to stop the steel production after learning that the French army was buying it in order to produce high-quality weapons. For this reason and in a paradoxical way, the Spanish dealers who traded in swords and knifes had to buy them in France in order to maintain their business.