British, Post WW2, British Fairbairn-Sykes 3rd Pattern Commando Knife & Scabbard, by J. Nowill & Sons, Sheffield

*British, Post WW2, British Fairbairn-Sykes 3rd Pattern Commando Knife & Scabbard, by J. Nowill & Sons, Sheffield*

Marked on the cross-guard: J. Nowill & Sons, Sheffield, England
Marked on the opposite side of the cross-guard: War Arrow and diamond
Marked on base of grip: Crossed keys and *D - The J Nowill & Sons trademark

This is the 3rd pattern model issued from 1942 until the present day. The markings are all correct for J. Nowill & sons, one of the few post war manufacturers offering a high quality F~S knife.

The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife is a double-edged fighting knife resembling a dagger or poignard with a foil grip. It was developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes in Shanghai based on ideas that the two men had while serving on the Shanghai Municipal Police in China before World War II. Production of the 1st Pattern knives began in November 1940, combining the Shanghai design proposed by William Fairbairn and Anthony Sykes with earlier daggers from the Wilkinson Sword Co. The third pattern was introduced in October of 1943. The Third Pattern is easily recognized by its ringed alloy grip, the design is attributed to the William Rodgers firm.

The F-S fighting knife was made famous during World War II when issued to British Commandos, the Airborne Forces, the SAS and many other units, especially for the Normandy landings in June 1944. With its acutely tapered, sharply pointed blade, the F-S fighting knife is frequently described as a stiletto, a weapon optimised for thrusting, although the F-S knife can be used to inflict slash cuts upon an opponent when its cutting edges are sharpened according to specification.

*Condition*
Very good used condition. Very sharp blade, some loss of blueing. Black scabbard has some discolouration but is otherwise good. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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