Rare Fairbairn Sykes 1st Pattern Fighting Knife

The Fairbairn-Sykes 1st Pattern fighting knife - probably the most prestigious and sought after wartime edged weapon on the colletors market. Conceived as a close-combat dagger with a sharply pointed stabbing blade, issued with a bright finish to strike fear into the unfortunate soul on the receiving end, the F-S knife is every bit as revered today as it was during the war. The 1st pattern, produced only between November 1940 and August 1941, it is identifiable by the thick hand ground blade with a square ricasso featuring an etch on both sides, the gracefully curved "S" shaped steel cross guard and a knurled hilt, secured with a pommel nut exhibiting the distinctive vice clamp marks from tightening at the factory. This example is in splendid condition with the etching clearly visible on both sides of the ricasso, the Wilkinson Sword logo on one side and "The F-S Fighting Knife" on the other. The blade shows very minimal signs of sharpening and tarnishing commensurate with age, and still measures 6 7/8" (17cm) in length, just as it left the factory. The scabbard has sadly been lost to history, though it may be the case that this has preserved the blade as if left sheathed, moisture on the leather can corrode the steel - indeed many collectors leave them unsheathed for this reason. This is a rare opportunity to acquire the holy grail of fighting knives, you cannot fail to be impressed!