Original British WWII Second Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife Blade-Marked by Wilkinson with Sheath

Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the rarest most sought after versions of the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knives. Featuring a brass handle, blackened blade, without any export markings, this example is one of the very scarce blade-marked second pattern Wilkinson variants, with the Wilkinson company logo on one side of the blade and The F-S Fighting Knife on the reverse, although the latter is extremely faint.

Until 1942 Wilkinson Sword had been the only company which produced the F-S knives. In 1942 there came two more manufacturers. One was lesser known for its acceptance mark B2. It was made according to the drawings of the black hilt 2nd Pattern Wilkinson F-S knife. The close resemblance is the reason why many collectors assumed that the acceptance mark B2 stands for Wilkinson. Finally proof was found by Robert Wilkinson-Latham that Wilkinson Sword actually produced the knives marked B2. Wilkinson Sword and J. Clark & Son were the only known producers of these early 2nd Pattern F-S knives. This example is not marked B2 or England, the only markings being the etching on the blade. 

The condition of the knife is very good, still with sharp edges. Blade tip is excellent, and overall very good with little original black still present on the blade and on much of the brass grip handle. The original period sheath is in rough condition, with solid leather and a very worn chape that shows oxidation and paint loss. It has an intact belt loop, but the securing strap is broken, as they often are.

A very rare knife that would fit into any British WW2 collection.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 6 3/4”
Total Length: 11 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 12 3/4”