A big part of the Types 1890 that appear on the market has replaced scales. You can tell by the surface and also by the stamp that is too strong. On the originals it was only weak. The Swiss Solider's Knife. Given to every solider of the Swiss Army since 1890 until now, was produced nearly in same version until 1964, first with scales of oak or ebony in black colour, later (1901) with such from fibre, a synthetic material also containing wood.
Beginning with 1962, the type 1961 with aluminium scales began to write it's successful story. Picture 3 shows the types from 1890 until 2008. What we know today as "Swiss Army Knife" is the version for officers and civil persons.
This knife here is a genuine Swiss Solider's Knife, used in the Swiss Army, and a beautiful piece of history. Also the name of the village exists in two versions, at the end of the 19th century it was Vallorbe s and changed to today's Vallorbe. Forges L+C was, beside of Elsener Victorinox, the most important supplier of Solider's Knives for the Swiss Army for the Types 1890 and 1901. Picture 12 shows the museum "Musée du Fer" in Vallorbe, which exists in the buildings where many products of steel, also knives, was produced. The item "Swiss Army Knife vintage 1890 FORGES L+C VALLORBES THE FIRST ONE" is in sale since Saturday, February 10, 2018.This item is in the category "Collectibles\Knives, Swords & Blades\Collectible Folding Knives\Vintage Folding Knives\Factory Manufactured". The seller is "archibald-haddock-69" and is located in Hünenberg. This item can be shipped worldwide.