Unknown Maker

Here is an odd Fairbairn-Sykes I picked up recently. I am not positive about its vintage or manufacture. It has the look of what is often called an India Pattern. The blade is unsharpened and longer than a standard WW-II F/S which tend to be about 6 7/8th inches. This one's blade is just over 7 inches long. The handle is turned brass, checkered in a traditional pattern. One obvious deviation is the lack of a prominent top nut that is usual with a Second Pattern knife. This knife is fitted with a recessed one instead. There aren't any top nuts on the India Pattern Knives. The pommel end is also differently shaped in that it is flared and flatter and not bulbous.

The oval steel guard is thicker than normal too. This is not a WIlkinson made knife because it lacks the proper etched logo. On the one side there is a very finely etched "F~S Fighting knife" panel typical of wilkinson production but the letters are more slender. If you have any idea who the manufacturer might be drop us an email at ghdave2@hotmail.com Accompanying it is its original sheath which is typical of WW-II. Whomever made it, they did a splendid job.

http://www.fairbairnsykesfightingknives.com/index.html