*British, WW2, VERY RARE - Cogswell & Harrison Private-Purchase Fighting Knife, with Original Leather Scabbard*
A rare and highly desirable Second World War private-purchase fighting knife by Cogswell & Harrison Ltd., Gunmakers, London W1, correctly stamped on the ricasso. This example follows the firm’s distinctive triangular-section stiletto pattern, featuring a robust faceted blade terminating in a reinforced spear point.
The knife is fitted with an elegant ‘S’-shaped steel cross-guard and a one-piece hourglass-shaped hardwood grip, smoothly finished with clear longitudinal tool marks typical of bespoke London manufacture. The grip terminates in a brass pommel washer, through which the tang is peened over—a classic and correct method used by Cogswell & Harrison to secure the hilt firmly without external pommel nuts or caps. This peened-tang finish is a key identifying feature of authentic wartime construction.
Accompanied by its original leather scabbard, stitched and riveted in the early private-purchase style, with two horizontal belt slots cut into the frog section. The welt, rivets, stitching and dimensions match known Cogswell & Harrison scabbards and confirm a period pairing.
Blade 15.6 cm | Overall 26.6 cm
Historical Note:
Cogswell & Harrison, founded in 1770, is London’s oldest surviving gunmaker. Renowned for producing high-quality sporting arms, the firm also supplied a small number of private-purchase edged weapons to British officers during the First World War. When war returned in 1939, similarly compact close-combat knives were again produced for officers, Commandos, SOE agents, and other specialist personnel who needed effective fighting weapons before the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger became widely issued.
Early Cogswell & Harrison fighting knives were made to customer order, and hilt styles varied significantly, ranging from shaped hardwood grips to more ornate patterns. As wartime demand increased the design became more standardised, with the practical wooden hourglass grip seen on this example.
Because these knives were never mass-produced—and many were carried into high-risk SOE and Commando operations—they are exceptionally scarce today. The authoritative reference site fairbairnsykesfightingknives.com famously labels the Cogswell & Harrison pattern “The Rarest of Them All”. Given that SOE operational casualty rates may have reached 30%, relatively few of their personal weapons survived, making a marked and complete example such as this one particularly uncommon.
*Condition*
The blade has a stable wartime patina, dark mottling, and age-consistent surface pitting; maker’s stamp clear and legible. The guard has light oxidation and handling wear; no distortion. The grip is solid and original, with smooth handling wear, attractive aged tone, and no structural cracks. Brass pommel washer and peened tang intact. The leather scabbard has surface scuffs, rubbing, and honest field wear; reverse shows heavier age softening and abrasion but remains secure. Stitching complete except for one missing at the throat; all rivets intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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