Very rare small pocket folding knife in the shape of a Catholic cross or crucifix, green color celluloid scales; made in Spain during 1920'ies. 

The crucifix-shaped pocket knife, also popularly known in collecting circles and Spanish culture as the "matamonjas" (nun-killer) is a highly coveted and very rare piece of historical cutlery. These objects were mainly manufactured in Spain during the first third of the 20th century (circa 1920), combining a devotional design with a hidden defense mechanism.

 This object is world-famous thanks to filmmaker Luis Buñuel, who immortalized an exact crucifix-knife from this era (circa 1920–1930) in his masterpiece Viridiana (1961). The Aragonese (Spanish) director, fascinated by the surrealism of the object, used it in the film to symbolize the duality between religion and violence. This turned the knife into a cinematic icon and caused its value to skyrocket among collectors of military antiques and bladed weapons.

MEASURES: 65mm (folded),  107mm opened.