RARE**WW2 Era Nickel Plated All Steel Hilt Variant Fairbairn Sykes FS Commando Fighting Knife & Scabbard. Sn 21845 Knive

**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

£1275