Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife 1st Pattern (Sold)

Wilkinson Sword made Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife 1st Pattern, complete with sheath / scabbard and commando's initials.

This is an exceptionally rare (under 500 made) first pattern of the famous Wilkinson Sword made Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife used by British and also allied commandos during the second world war. Copied extensively, I guarantee this to be an original. The original commando's initials are still just visible on the leather sheath, "P.S.", so it may be possible to ascertain his full name and with it the prospect of learning if this knife was used in action; the edges have been sharpened in the past.

I bought this knife in the UK from an estate sale, where the widow was selling her late husband's militaria because they terrified her! Her husband was not in the commandos during world war two, he was a collector in the early 1960's, before these first pattern knives started being reproduced. This F-S is perfect right down to the slightly skewed Wilkinson Sword logo etched on the reverse side (see plate 6 on page 3 of "Allied Military Fighting Knives And The Men Who Made Them Famous" by Robert A. Buerlein. It is a very good example in overall clean condition and with the original elastic worn and baggy, but still intact (most are broken). Further pictures available upon request.