The third pattern Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife was introduced in 1943. Wartime production of the third pattern ran from October 1943 until the Wars’ end in 1945. This particular third pattern F-S knife was made between February 1944 and August 1945.
The guard thickness and finishing on this knife is the same as on the second pattern knife, but the blade is thinner, being a late war production blade. Mid-War third pattern knives had the same thick blade as the second pattern, requiring the medial ridge to be ground flat in order for its tang to fit through the guard. The presence of a thinner, late War blade coupled with a thicker, mid-War guard suggest that this knife was made around or soon after February 1944. The guards on later wartime production third pattern knives are thinner and roughly finished.
The 172mm/6 ¾ inch double-edged blade has a raised medial ridge tapering to a narrow spear point. The blade retains sharp fighting edges and is in good condition with tiny speckles of shallow pitting and mild tarnish. The blade has lost its original black finish as a result of its active service use.
The cast zinc alloy grips of wartime production third pattern knives were outsourced to four companies. This is important in identifying wartime production third pattern knives as the grips have a small mould number (1, 2, 3, or 4) located just below the pommel. Only war-time manufactured grips carry these mould numbers.
This knife has the mould number 3 below the pommel. Beside the mould number are four period incised grooves, possibly “tally” marks? The guard of this knife is the same as on second pattern knives, 1/8 inch thick and well finished.
The knife is complete with its period leather scabbard. The copper press stud on the scabbard bears the name, Newey, England. These press studs were also used on the first pattern F-S knife scabbards. The scabbard bears the regimental cap badge and shoulder titles of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. These badges are of the WW1/WW2 pattern and suggest that the knife belonged to a member of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. The badges were probably attached to the scabbard when the owner left the regiment.
The scabbard is in excellent condition and the stitching is intact.
This is a great example of a 1944 production WW2 third pattern Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife with possible tally/kill marks and links to the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
£550.00
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