*British, Late WW2 or Post War, 3rd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife, by William Rodgers, Sheffield, with Original Sheath*
Approximate Measurements: 17.6cm blade, 29.4cm
Marked on top of Cross guard: William Rodgers, Sheffield, England
3rd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife. The cross guard with cutlers details “William Rodgers, Sheffield, England”. Double-edged spearpoint blade. Housed in original leather and parkerised rounded tipped sheath. Retaining leather tangs and elastic retaining strap.
The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife is a double-edged fighting knife resembling a dagger or poignard with a foil grip. It was developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes in Shanghai based on ideas that the two men had while serving on the Shanghai Municipal Police in China before World War II. Production of the 1st Pattern knives began in November 1940, combining the Shanghai design proposed by William Fairbairn and Anthony Sykes with earlier daggers from the Wilkinson Sword Co. The third pattern was introduced in October of 1943. The Third Pattern is easily recognized by its ringed alloy grip, the design is attributed to the William Rodgers firm.
The F-S fighting knife was made famous during World War II when issued to British Commandos, the Airborne Forces, the SAS and many other units, especially for the Normandy landings in June 1944. With its acutely tapered, sharply pointed blade, the F-S fighting knife is frequently described as a stiletto, a weapon optimised for thrusting, although the F-S knife can be used to inflict slash cuts upon an opponent when its cutting edges are sharpened according to specification.
*Condition*
The dagger is in good condition with some age wear. The scabbard stitching is all intact, there are expected scratches and marks to the brass tip. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMABOXAHO_4525181507
