I picked up an automatic in Europe 30+ years ago which does not operate. I depress the blade release button and nothing happens.

With the caveat I know nothing about knife construction, I believe the parts include:
1. Blade (single piece of formed metal)
2. Spring (single piece of formed metal)
3. Lock (pin which perpendically locks / releases the blade)
4. Button (attached to pin to actuate the lock)

I think I need someone to disassemble the entire tool, form a new spring, then reassemble? How do I troubleshoot / confirm this? What else?

Can you open the blade manually while the release/button is depressed? If so, you've probably got a broken kicker spring.

Do you feel any spring pressure on the blade in the closed position?

Knowing what type of knife this is makes it lots easier to diagnose ..... Stiletto ? OTF ? etc ......

Bill Deshivs is the go to for repairing older automatics

https://billdeshivs.com/bd/

Can you open the blade manually while the release/button is depressed?
- Yes

Do you feel any spring pressure on the blade in the closed position?
- Minimal

Knowing what type of knife this is makes it lots easier to diagnose ..... Stiletto ? OTF ? etc .....
- see pics below
- also, I just found this (https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-rostfrei-lever-lock-knife-459985816) which is the same item sans handle material

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Thanks for the referral to Bill.