British, Post-WW2, Fairbairn-Sykes 3rd Pattern Commando Fighting Knife by William Rodgers, Sheffield, with Leather Sheath and Canvas Frog

*British, Post WW2, Fairbairn-Sykes 3rd Pattern Commando Fighting Knife by William Rodgers, Sheffield England, with Leather Sheath and Canvas Frog*

A British Fairbairn-Sykes 3rd Pattern Commando fighting knife retaining its ribbed alloy grip, blackened steel crossguard, leather sheath and later khaki canvas frog. The oval crossguard bears the early four-line maker’s stamp “WILLIAM / RODGERS / SHEFFIELD / ENGLAND”, identifying manufacture by the noted Sheffield cutlery firm William Rodgers during the immediate post-war period.

This example displays several diagnostic early post-war characteristics, including the prominent raised brass pommel nut and deeply struck four-line export stamp incorporating “England,” a marking format typically encountered on knives manufactured for export markets during the late 1940s to early 1950s. These features place the knife within the immediate post-WWII to Korean War era rather than later Cold War production.

The knife features the characteristic double-edged stiletto blade with pronounced medial ridge and a ribbed alloy grip retaining much of its copper-toned appearance. This coloration results from the original copper-flashed alloy finish used during early post-war production shortages, where grips were chemically blackened over a copper-rich undercoat which has worn attractively through decades of handling and service use.

The accompanying black leather sheath remains fitted with its elastic retaining strap and stitched belt fittings, together with a separate khaki canvas frog bearing faint ink markings.

Approx. Measurements – Blade: 15.5 cm. Overall: 27.4 cm.

History Note:
Originally designed by William E. Fairbairn and Eric A. Sykes for British Commandos and Special Operations personnel during WWII, the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife became one of the defining edged weapons of the 20th century. Third Pattern examples such as this continued in British and Commonwealth military service into the post-war and Korean War periods.

*Condition*
Blade displays age-related surface wear, light pitting and evidence of sharpening consistent with period use and storage. Crossguard stamp remains partially visible but worn. Grip shows handling wear, surface knocks and oxidation with the original blackened finish largely worn back to the underlying copper-flashed alloy. Raised brass pommel nut remains intact and undisturbed. Leather sheath is structurally sound with wear, fraying and age-hardening to some retaining tabs and elastic strap. Canvas frog displays staining, fading and service wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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