*British, WW2, 1st Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife, by Wilkinson Sword Company London, with Original Sheath*
30cm overall, 17cm blade.
Marked on the ricasso: The F-S, Fighting Knife
Marked on the obverse: Wilkinson Sword, Co Ltd, London
Sheath with Newey press studs: Newey Pat.201430-22. Newey Brothers Ltd B’Ham.
This is an outstanding example of a 1st Pattern Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife, featuring a smooth S-shaped crossguard, crisp engraving and a beautifully tapered blade. It’s even more remarkable to find a 1st pattern F-S with its original early sheath.
Production of these knives began in November 1940, combining the Shanghai design proposed by William Fairbairn and Anthony Sykes with earlier daggers from the Wilkinson Sword Co. Despite high demand, each blade was individually hand-forged and ground, leading to notable variations. The square ricassos were etched with the Wilkinson Sword Co. and F~S logo, with the blades meticulously polished and sharpened. The nickel-plated steel “S” crossguards were expertly fitted to the ricasso and tang. Handles were turned from brass stock, knurled, nickel-plated, and slid over the tang, with all parts secured by a nickel-plated top nut and peened tang to prevent loosening. Shortly after a meeting on November 14, 1940, Wilkinson placed the first official order for F-S knives. Production of the 1st Pattern continued until the introduction of the 2nd Pattern on August 12, 1941. Over these nine months, fewer than 7,000 1st Pattern knives were made, with an estimated 7% surviving today. These knives are exceptionally rare compared to the hundreds of thousands of 2nd and 3rd Pattern versions.
The sheath is a critical part of the Commando knife. This particular sheath is likely from an early production run, as it lacks the four tabs later added for sewing into a pocket or attaching to a soldier’s gear. Initially, the grip of the 1st Pattern F-S knife was secured by tabs with Newey press studs, like those used on hunting knife sheaths. However, this was soon replaced by a more affordable and quieter method—elastic bands sewn onto the sheath, which became standard in the 2nd Pattern. First Pattern sheaths also included a well-made, nickel-plated chape to prevent the blade from piercing through and injuring the wearer. The leather parts were cut by Wilkinson and other manufacturers, and often sewn together by relatives of Wilkinson employees. These sheaths were sold for 4/6.
*Condition*
This knife is in excellent condition for its age and service. The top nut shows a few small chips and there are some minor scratches and dings to the grip. The engraving on both sides remains sharp and clear. The blade is in excellent condition. The leather sheath shows wear consistent with age, with all stitching intact, there are minor creases, scratches, and dents on the chape, along with a small tear in the leather just below the belt slits. Please refer to the photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMCEOOXEOOO_1995179283
