*British, WW2, 1st Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife by Wilkinson Sword Company London, with Original Sheath, with engraved blade for Marine H. Hollsworth CHX*
29.6cm overall, 16.5cm blade.
Marked on the ricasso: The F-S, Fighting Knife
Marked on the obverse: Wilkinson Sword, Co Ltd, London
Engraved on the blade: (Looks like) Mne (Marine) H Hollsworth (or Hallsworth or Hallworth) CHX (Chatham Dockyard)
Sheath with Newey press studs: Newey Pat.201430-22. Newey Brothers Ltd B’Ham.
This is a particularly fine example 1st Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife with a gentle S cross guard and beautifully tapered blade. It is even more exceptional to find a 1st pattern F-S with its original early sheath. It is very unusual to find a named dagger, inscribed in cursive script: Mne (Marine) H. Hollsworth (or Hallsworth / Hollworth / Hallworth) CHX (Chatham Dockyard).
Production of the First Pattern knives began in November 1940, merging the proposed Shanghai design by William Fairbairn and Anthony Sykes with earlier daggers from the Wilkinson Sword Co. Despite the high demand, each blade was hand-forged and hand-ground, leading to significant variations. The square ricassos were etched with the Wilkinson Sword Co. and F~S logo, and the blades were meticulously polished and sharpened. The nickel-plated steel “S” crossguards were expertly fitted to the ricasso and tang. Handles were lathe-turned from brass stock, knurled, nickel-plated, and slid over the tang, with all components secured by a nickel-plated top nut and the remaining tang peened to prevent loosening. Shortly after the planning meeting on November 14, 1940, Wilkinson placed the first official order for F-S knives. Production of the First Pattern continued until the Second Pattern was introduced on August 12, 1941. During these nine months, fewer than 7,000 First Pattern knives were made, and it is estimated that only about 7% survive today. First Pattern knives are exceptionally rare compared to the hundreds of thousands produced of the Second and Third Patterns.
The sheath is an essential component of the Commando knife. This particular sheath appears to be from an early run, lacking the four tabs that were added later for sewing into a pocket or onto a soldier’s gear. Initially, the grip of the 1st Pattern F-S knife was secured with tabs using Newey press studs, similar to those found on typical hunting knife sheaths. However, this method was soon replaced with a more cost-effective and noiseless solution: elastic bands sewn onto each side of the sheath, which became the standard for the 2nd Pattern. First Pattern sheaths featured a well-crafted and nickel-plated chape, designed to prevent the blade’s tip from pushing through and injuring the wearer, with a rounded end. The leather components were cut by Wilkinson and other manufacturers and often sewn together by the relatives of Wilkinson employees. These sheaths were sold for 4/6.
*Condition*
This is in excellent condition given its age and service. The top knot has a few small chips. The engraving “The F-S, Fighting Knife” is well worn. There is some very minor discolouration to the blade. The leather sheath is in good worn condition with normal creasing and scratching plus some minor dents to the chape. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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