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 Knive

**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