British, WW2, 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, Sheffield Made, Black Leather Sheath

*British, WW2, 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, Sheffield Made, Black Leather Sheath*

An original 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, measuring approx. 17.5cm blade and 29.6cm overall. The crossguard is stamped SHEFFIELD ENGLAND, denoting post-1942 Sheffield manufacture. It retains the characteristic turned brass grip with concentric ringed pattern, finished in wartime blackened coating. The knife is housed in its original stitched and riveted black leather sheath with belt loops, reinforced tip, and faint wartime red ink inscription on the reverse reading “KILL”.

Historical Note:
The Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife was developed by William Ewart Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes, drawing on their experiences in the Shanghai Municipal Police. Adopted by British forces in 1940, the knife quickly became synonymous with the newly raised Commandos, SOE operatives, SAS, and Airborne troops. The 3rd Pattern, introduced in 1942, replaced the earlier chequered and smooth brass handles with the distinctive ringed design seen here, optimised for grip and wartime mass-production. Knives stamped Sheffield England were wartime exports and private-purchase pieces, many carried by Allied servicemen during the Second World War and beyond.

*Condition*
The blade remains bright with signs of period sharpening and light use, showing honest service wear. Crossguard clearly stamped SHEFFIELD ENGLAND. The grip retains most of its blackened finish with light handling marks. Pommel nut intact. Leather scabbard complete with all stitching and rivets secure, showing age-related wear and surface cracking, with belt loops softened from use. Inked inscription “KILL” visible on reverse, adding character and provenance. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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