Original British WWII Second Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife Blade-Marked by Wilkinson with Crossguard Curved to Mimic 1st Pattern & Sheath
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very scarce original British WWII Second Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife with brass grip and blackened blade, blade-marked by Wilkinson Sword and modified during its service life by curving the crossguard to more closely resemble the earlier First Pattern configuration. Blade-marked Second Pattern Wilkinson examples are among the more desirable variants of the Fairbairn-Sykes family, and this knife is especially interesting because of the period alteration carried out by its original user.
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 6 ⅜” knife blade is in great shape with some period sharpening and a couple of very tiny nicks in the blade edge. The period denting of the crossguard really gives the knife a First Pattern look. There is wear to the black finish on the handle where the knife would have been held. The overall length of the knife is 11⅜”.
The included leather sheath is in fair overall condition with the elastic strap now broken in half and the leather tongue belt loop a bit weak and floppy, with residue at the top. The top is also export-stamped MADE IN ENGLAND. The leather strips for stitching are now gone but the drag is retained with some denting. The sheath is longer than the knife so the knife does not fit very snugly into the sheath. It is likely a 3rd Pattern sheath.
The combination of the blade-etched Wilkinson markings, brass Second Pattern grip, surviving black finish, period-sharpened blade, and deliberately curved crossguard makes this a particularly interesting and unusual Fairbairn-Sykes example. The later sheath is not an exact match to the knife, but its inclusion provides an appropriate period display accompaniment. Together, the set offers a strong study piece illustrating both factory variation and individual field modification within one of the best-known British fighting-knife patterns of WWII.
Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 6 3/8”
Total Length: 11 3/8”
Scabbard Length: 13 1/2”
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