FS Commando Daggers
| Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next | Page 2 of 5 |
.jpg)  |
**RARE**WW2 Era Nickel Plated All Steel Hilt Variant Fairbairn Sykes FS Commando Fighting Knife & Scabbard. Sn 21845 - 21845 Like many variants of the FS knife there are various theories as to the origins of the all steel FS knives. Generally put about is that they were dropped into Europe for use by the resistance. There is also anecdotal evidence indicating use by Home guard. At least one of these knives was recovered in the wreck of a Sherman tank which sank off the coast of Normandy during the D-Day invasion (see pages 131 to 133 of ‘The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives’ by Flook). An all steel plated variant hilt FS knife with 5 knurled grip rings and narrow grip near to the pommel similar to ours is illustrated on page 133 item 9.21 of the authors book. He comments on the illustrated knife, that the plating was probably done post war for presentation or private sale purposes. The author also comments on page 131 “whether or not they were made against an official contract is unknown and no example that I am aware of has been found with an inspection mark. Genuine examples of such knives are scarce”. This is a rare, original all steel hilt nickel plated variant FS knife and scabbard in as found, un-cleaned condition. It’s all steel hilt has the aforementioned 5 knurled grip rings and plated oval steel finger guard. The original nickel plate finish has some age related areas of tarnishing. There are no maker or date marks on the knife. The knife has a 173 mm long blade with medial ridge. Its open top leather scabbard in which it was found has an integral belt loop. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21845 £1,275.00 |
 |
.jpg) |
Post WW2 British Hopkinson Sheffield Nowill & Sons Sheffield Marked Commemorative Royal Marines Factory Nickel Plated 1st Pattern FS Commando Fighting Knife With Etched Panels & Scabbard. Sn 22422 - 22422 The Nowill familly are recorded as Sheffield cutler's since the 16th Century. The family traded under various names and Trademarks until John Nowill acquired the 'crossed keys' trademark in 1842. John Nowill retired from the business in 1847 - three years before his death on 24 October 1850 and the name of the business adopted the 'Nowill & Sons' name. Nowill & Sons made FS Commando Fighting Knives for the British War Dept. In 1947 The Sheffield cutlers F. E. & J. R. Hopkinson Ltd acquired the assets of John Nowill and Frank Mills and used their names & trademarks when making knives (see page 242 of the Sheffield Knife book By Tweedale). The 1st Pattern FS fighting knife was introduced in 1940 and produced by Wilkinson Sword (see page 63 of The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives By Flook). This post WW2 Hopkinson Sheffield Nowill & Sons marked 1st pattern FS knife was made to commemorate the Royal Marines Commandos. The 1st pattern hilt with correct 2” wave cross guard retains its original factory nickel finish and knurled grip. Its double edged dagger blade with medial ridge measures 177mm in length. The blade is clean undamaged. The blade has a blued and etched panel as found on original WW2 examples ‘The FS Fighting Knife’ on one side and the etched and gilt highlighted badge of the Royal marines with the Regiment’s motto in Latin ‘Per Mare, Per Terram’ (English: ‘By Sea, By Land’). The cross guard has Nowill & Sons name and Sheffield address together with Hopkinson ‘H’ within cartouche trademark and a stamped Broad Arrow mark as found on British War Department arms & equipment. It is complete with its black leather scabbard with nickel plated chape & integral belt loop with retaining strap & press stud fastener. All leather & stitching are clean & intact. The price for this attractive Royal Marines FS commemorative piece includes UK delivery. Sn 22422 £675.00 |
|
.jpg) |
**VERY RARE**FORERUNNER OF THE MODERN SURVIVAL KNIFE**Original, Colonel Baldock 1902 Patent All Steel Construction Survival ‘Knife Spear’ By James Dixon & Sons Sheffield For Walter Locke & Co London With Original Scabbard. Sn 16422 - 16422 Developed by Colonel Baldock of the Merwara Battalion of Queen Victoria's Indian Army in the 1870s and patented by him in 1902, this is the forerunner of all modern day Combat/Fighting/Survival Knives. With an inspired development Colonel Baldock introduced this all steel fearsome knife which easily converts to a spear with the attachment of any handy wood pole or branch that might be found in the field. The hilt is all Steel with a floating knurled collar that, when secured in the rear position, will lock onto any wood shaft pushed into the hollow adjustable tubular hilt by means of internal securing spikes. The locking mechanism resembles that of the old muzzle loading socket bayonet attachment. British Gunsmiths Walter Locke & Co 391 Strand, London C1892-C1920 were primarily known as the outlet for Baldock Knife Spears (see page 99 & 100 of The London Knife Book By Flook. Page 99 of the book shows an image of the Baldock Knife Spear & Scabbard). These rare knives are sometimes found with the Baldock and Walter Locke names or with a licenced manufacturer name on the blade, however it is very rare to find examples with Baldock, Walter Locke & Co and a manufacturer name all on one blade. This is an excellent original example of the Baldock Patent Knife Spear. It has the correct all steel hollow hilt with floating collar which works correctly, a small oval brass finger guard and measures 345mm overall. The 226mm spear point blade has fullers and a deep 110mm saw back section on the back edge. The blade is crisply marked ‘Baldock Knife Spear Made Expressly For Walter Locke & Co Ltd Patented’ and with the rare to find additional licenced manufacturer’s name ‘James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, England’. The knife is complete with its original brown leather riveted and stitched scabbard.The leather has a small tooled foliate cartouche to the front. The price for this rare survival knife with scabbard includes UK delivery. Sn 16422 £1,745.00 |
|
.jpg) |
WW2 Era British Fairbairn Sykes FS Beaded & Ribbed (9 Rows Of Beads) Commando Fighting Knife & Scabbard. Sn 21844 - 21844 The Beaded & Ribbed variant of the Fairbairn Sykes FS Fighting knife was available as a private purchase weapon but were also Military issue. Beaded & Ribbed versions have been found with 9,8,7 & 6 rows of beads (see page 127 of The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives by Ron Flook). This WW2 era Beaded and Ribbed Pattern Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife has a brass beaded and ribbed grip with 9 rows of beads. The knife has a blued oval steel finger guard. There are no WD marks on this knife. It has a clean 173mm long steel blade with medial ridge. It is complete with original scabbard with external brass chape. As is common, the scabbard’s 4 original sewn on leather tabs have been period cut back and its original elasticated retaining strap is present but has become detached on one side. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21844 £945.00 |
|
 |
**VERY RARE**TEN ROPED RINGS VARIANT**WW2 British Officer’s Private Purchase Ribbed & Roped Alloy Handle Fairbairn Sykes FS Commando Fighting Knife & Scabbard. Sn 21967:3 - 21967:3 A very scarce WW2 example of the alloy handled ribbed and roped Pattern Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife. For many years this pattern of Commando knife were believed to be solely private purchase weapons, however, on page 129 of Ron Flook's book 'The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives', he describes at least 2 War Dept issued examples being seen. In the day these would have been expensive items and there are no visible WD marks, so most likely an Officer’s private purchase piece. The handle of our example has the very rare to find 10 roped rings (some have only 9) with the correct correspondingly extended pommel nut to accommodate this. It has a blued steel cross guard & an undamaged 163mm long clean blued blade with medial ridge which has been period sharpened for action. It is complete with its original scabbard with blackened brass chape & single belt loop. It retains its original elastic retaining strap which as is common perished in the centre it's original 4 sewn on leather tabs have been cut back. All leather & stitching of the scabbard are clean & intact. A very scarce FS knife. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21967:3 £1,195.00 |
|
 |
**UNIQUE**GIFTED TO WW2 BRITISH JAPANESE POW LEO RAWLINGS BY HIS LIBERATOR**1st Pattern Wilkinson FS Commando Fighting Knife With Double Etched Panels & Scabbard His Signed Book ‘And Dawn Came Up Like Thunder’ An Account Of POW Experience & Provenance. - 21967:1 The 1st Pattern FS fighting knife was introduced in 1940 and produced by Wilkinson Sword (see page 63 of The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives By Flook). This is rare to find, original WW2 1st pattern, FS dagger with original 1st pattern scabbard made unique by the fact that it was given to liberated POW Leo Rawlings in Malaysia / Singapore at the end of WW2 by one of his liberators. The nickel plated grip has been period field corded over grip used in jungle warfare (the steel grip and sweaty hand palms not making a good combination). We are sure the original steel grip is in good shape under the cord over grip, but we would not suggest removing this jungle "overcoat" because it makes the knife so rare. The ricasso is marked with correct etched panels, 'Wilkinson Sword London' together with crossed swords legend & the reverse 'The FS Fighting Knife', both panels has age and war service related rubbing but are clearly visible. Its double edged dagger blade with medial ridge measures 166mm in length (blade lengths of these FS knives vary as they were hand ground). The tip is blunt having hit something sometime during service. The blade has staining consistent with age and service use. It is complete with original 1st Pattern leather scabbard with nickel plated brass chape & integral belt loop with retaining strap. The retaining band has separated, the popper now apart but complete which has the correct ‘Newey’ press stud fastener. All other leather & stitching are intact. The First Pattern is rare enough, but this is made even rarer and more desirable by cord hilt wrap & the provenance included with the knife which is an original signed hardback copy of Leo Rawlings' highly acclaimed book ‘And The Dawn Came Up Like Thunder’, an account of being a POW. Together with a letter from Buckingham Palace ordered By Queen Elizabeth II thanking him for the signed copy of his book together with another related letter dated 1972. A great piece with tremendous history. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21967:1 £2,750.00 |
|
.jpg) |
**CASED****RARE**C1948 2 PANEL VERSION**Wilkinson Sword, Etched Banner ‘Hand Forged By Tom Beasley The Famous Sword Smith’ Fairbairn Sykes FS Fighting Knife With Correct 2 Etched & Blued Panels Hand Drawn Blade. Sn 21967:7 - 21967:7 Tom Beasley was Wilkinson Sword's master Swordsmith. One of his outstanding creations was the blade for the sword which Britain presented to the people of the City of Stalingrad in commemoration of the City's defence against the Nazis. Tom Beasley knives are sought after. 3 panel version etchings 'Hand Forged by Tom Beasley The Famous Sword Smith Of Stalingrad Fame' and 2 panel versions without the panel referencing Stalingrad in the banner were made. The 2 panel versions the same as our example were made C1948. They are thought to be advertising & private purchase pieces for Wilkinson sword who undertook a sales drive in the early post war years (see page 182 & 183 of The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives by Flook). This is an original hand drawn Tom Beasley FS Knife. Its 176mm long steel blade with medial ridge is clean and correctly crisply etched & blued on both sides. One side has a 2 panel banner etched 'Hand Forged by Tom Beasley The Famous Sword Smith’. The reverse is etched with decorative panels containing 'Wilkinson Sword, London' name and crossed swords legend together Royal Appointment. Also 'Commando Fighting Knife World War 1939-45'. The orange / brown hue Ivorine handle is undamaged and it has an oval blued steel cross guard. The dagger is contained in its later quality made wooden case with hinged lid all covered in black leatherette material. The case has clasp fasteners. The inside of the case is lined in cushioned black felt & cushioned white silk & is contoured to snugly fit the dagger. The price for this excellent rare piece includes UK delivery. Sn 21967:7 £1,475.00 |
|
 |
**SCARCE**UNUSUAL**WW2 Burma Campaign British Chindit Special Forces, Fighting Knife / Machete With Barong Blade & British Military Form Leather Scabbard. Sn 21889 - 21889 The Chindits – officially in 1943 designated the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade and in 1944, the 3rd Indian Infantry Division was a British "Special Force" that served in Burma and India in 1943 and 1944 during the Burma Campaign in WW2. The barong is a thick, leaf-shaped, single-edged blade sword. It is a weapon used by Muslim Filipino ethnolinguistic groups like the Tausug, Sama-Bajau, or Yakan in the Southern Philippines. This is an original scarce & unusual Chindit combat Machete with barong blade (locally made knives saw much use in WW2 see page 117 of British & Commonwealth Military Knives by Flook). As is common with these knives there were many variants and had no manufacturer or date marks. Our example has an undamaged solid Tropical hardwood handle, curved for grip and secured to the tang by 2 rivets. It has a heavy Barong, leaf shaped blade which has just areas of staining consistent with tropical war service. The blade is 11 ¾” long, 2” broad at its widest and the spine is 5mm thick. There is just one small chip to the cutting edge consistent with service use. The blade is sharp. The hilt has a brass ferrule. The original British military grade leather scabbard has quality stitched edges and has a single belt loop to the rear of the scabbard. The scabbard has a leather retaining strap with buckle fastener. The leather is neatly cut for a length of 2 ¼” near the throat consistent with the blade being holstered and withdrawn from the scabbard during war service, the cut is stable and may have been made purposely by the Chindit who carried it to allow the machete to be drawn quickly. The leather is clean and supple and all stitching intact. The price for this rare, unusual form Chindit machete includes UK delivery. Sn 21889 (in FS box) **NB This item was found together with stock number Sn 21890 WW2 Chindit Fighting Knife which is available separately on this website**. £495.00 |
|
.jpg) |
**RARE**WW2 American Or Canadian Soldier’s Private Purchase 2nd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes FS Fighting Knife By Wilkinson Sword With Double Etched & Blued Panels & Banner To ‘Frederick I. Hoppa’ & Scabbard. Sn 21861 - 21861 2nd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes 'FS' Fighting Knives were introduced in 1941. Examples with Double etched Wilkinson blades are illustrated in Chapter 7 of The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives By Flook. American & Canadian special forces soldiers & Officers bought FS fighting knives as private purchase weapons. Examples of named, etched blades are illustrated on pages 94 - 97 of Flook’s book. This example has a knurled 2nd pattern brass hilt and oval steel cross guard. It has an undamaged 173mm blade with medial ridge & etched panels. One side ‘Wilkinson Sword London’ with crossed swords legend. The reverse ‘The FS Fighting Knife’. One side of the blade has a crisp etched & blued scrolling banner with name ‘Frederick I. Hoppa’ no doubt the American or Canadian Officer or Soldier who commissioned this knife. The dagger is complete with original leather scabbard with external blackened brass chape and belt loop. It retains its 4 sewn on leather tabs and elasticated retaining strap. All leather & stitching of the scabbard are intact. The price for this rare named FS knife includes UK delivery. Sn 21861 £1,495.00 |
|
 |
**RARE**WW2 British WD Wilkinson 2nd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes FS Fighting Knife With ‘WD Arrow 56’ Mark & United States Marine’s Privately Commissioned Etched Panel Banner To ‘N.T. Adams USMC’ & Scabbard. Sn 21857 - 21857 2nd Pattern Fairbairn Sykes 'FS' Fighting Knives were introduced in 1941. Examples with etched blades are illustrated in Chapter 7 of. American & Canadian special forces soldiers & Officers bought FS fighting knives as private purchase weapons and when British WD examples came into their possession would have their names etched onto the blades. Examples of named, etched blades are illustrated on pages 94 - 97 of Flook’s book The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives. This British WD Wilkinson example of the 2nd pattern FS has a knurled 2nd pattern brass hilt and oval cross guard which has a ‘WD Arrow 56’ Mark (see page 95 of Flook’s book where he describes the ‘56’ mark as being a WD mark found on FS knives and states how similarities in ‘56’ marked knives and other knives without Wilkinson logos has led many collectors to conclude that they are in fact a Wilkinson product). The knife has an undamaged 162mm blade with medial ridge. One side of the blade has a crisp etched scrolling banner with name & Regiment ‘N.T. Adams USMC’ no doubt privately commissioned by the American Marine who carried this knife. The blade has no damage and just areas of staining consistent with age. The dagger is complete with original leather scabbard with external brass chape and belt loop. It retains its 4 original sewn on leather tabs and elasticated retaining strap on the belt loop. All leather & stitching of the scabbard are intact. The price for this rare named FS knife includes UK delivery. Sn 21857 £1,275.00 |
|
| Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next | Page 2 of 5 |
(Page updated regularly)