Original British WWII First Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife by Wilkinson Sword Company Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare first pattern Fairborn-Sykes fighting knife manufactured by the legendary Wilkinson sword company. It is offered in very good condition and features a 2” inch “S” snapped cross guard. It measures 12” in overall length, with a 7” blade. The vast majority of the nickel plating is still intact and features the following markings on either side of the base of the blade:

THE

F-S

FIGHTING

KNIFE

WILKINSON

SWORD

CO ltd

LONDON

Also included is the original leather sheath with nickel plated toe. The leather is worn and show some minor tearing in areas, original elastic keeper is long absent. Overall a wonderful example of a very rare WW2 British fighting knife.

History of the First Pattern FS British commando dagger:

The demand for a good fighting knife was so very urgent that a meeting was arranged in November 1940 between W. E. Fairbairn, E. A. Sykes and Jack Wilkinson Latham at Wilkinson Sword Company.

Fairbairn and Sykes described the type of knife they envisioned and the purpose for which it was intended. As discussion continued, preliminary sketches were drawn up and modified time and time again.

As Robert Wilkinson Latham tells it: ‘In order to explain exactly their point, the two men rose to their feet and one, it was Fairbairn my grandfather mentioned, grabbed the wood ruler from his desk and the two men danced around the office in mock combat’.

The very first 1st Pattern F-S Fighting Knives were made in November 1940. In January 1941the full war full production started, according to Robert Wilkinson Latham.

The grip was made from solid brass and cut by 16 lines per inch in a diamond pattern. The grip and hand guard were nickel plated. The hand guard was curved to S-shape.

The blade was grounded by hand. For this reason it is difficult to find two blades of exactly the same size and shape. This model was produced in very limited numbers.

The very first 1st Pattern Wilkinson Sword F-S knives were ordered the 14th of November 1940. Order 294 mentions 500 ‘RBD and Commercial knives’ but possibly less. They were called in this way in the order to disguise the actual type of knife.

The 1st Pattern was delivered from November 1940 until April 1941. 17th of December 1940 5000 “hunting knives” were ordered. This order concerned the first 1st Pattern knives. Price for each was 13 s 6d. All together 6 779 – 1st pattern were made according to Robert Wilkinson Latham.

Specifications for First Pattern knives:

Length overall: 11.6” – 12.1 “ (290 – 306 mm)

Length of blade: 6.5” – 7” (160 – 175 mm)

Weight: 230 – 270 gram