Vintage Camillus Sailor's Rigging Knife — Marlinspike & Shackle Key — Model 697 Style
Offered for sale is a vintage Camillus folding sailor's rigging knife, believed to be the classic Camillus Model 697. This traditional nautical pocketknife combines a stainless steel sheepsfoot blade, folding marlinspike, and shackle key in one compact tool.
A desirable collectible for Camillus knife enthusiasts, maritime memorabilia collectors, sailors, yachtsmen, and those interested in traditional working Camillus Cutlery
Model: Believed to be Model 697
Type: Sailor's / Rigger's / Yachtsman's folding pocketknife
Blade: Plain-edge stainless steel sheepsfoot
Blade marking: CAMILLUS STAINLESS
Marlinspike: Folding tapered rigging spike for loosening knots and working with rope
Shackle key: Integrated metal fitting for working with screw-pin shackles
Handle: Brown jigged synthetic scales, Delrin-style
Bolsters: Brass-colored metal with attractive age-related patina
Opening: Traditional manual folding construction
Era: Vintage; exact production date not vintage used condition with honest signs of age and use.
The blade shows visible scratches, scuffs, and localized discoloration. The marlinspike also shows evidence of previous use. The bolsters and other metal fittings exhibit surface wear, tarnish, and natural patina consistent with age.
The textured brown handle scales appear intact in the photographs, with no obvious major cracks or missing sections.
This knife has not been professionally restored or polished. It is being offered in its present vintage condition.
Please carefully examine all photographs, which are an important part of the description. This is a previously owned collectible, not a new or mint-condition knife.
Historical InterestCamillus was a well-known American cutlery manufacturer with a long history of producing practical working knives, including sailor's rigging knives.
The traditional marlinspike knife was an important tool aboard sailing vessels. The sheepsfoot blade was useful for cutting rope, while the tapered marlinspike helped loosen tight knots and manipulate rope strands. The shackle key provided an additional useful function for marine rigging work.
This style of Camillus knife was manufactured for both civilian and military markets. No specific military provenance is claimed for this example.
Shipping and Seller InformationThe knife will be carefully packed to protect the blade, marlinspike, handle, and fittings during shipment.
I'm Steven Zawalick. I've been on since 1998. I'm a retired engineer and own a small business. I pride myself in being honest and packing things well. Thank you for looking at this listing and please add me to your favorite sellers. Now that I've retired, I'll be selling more and more items.
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