*British, WW2, Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Scabbard - Rare 2nd Pattern Variant -Smooth Hilted*
A British Fairbairn–Sykes pattern fighting knife of Second World War form, representing a Second Pattern variant, distinguished by its smooth cast brass grip and unmarked double-edged stiletto blade, with the early Fairbairn–Sykes V-profiled ricasso. The blade displays the correct profile, taper, and proportions associated with early wartime Fairbairn–Sykes production and is fitted with a plain oval steel crossguard of appropriate Second Pattern form.
The smooth brass grip is highly unusual and departs from standard ringed production, suggesting non-contract, workshop, or special-purpose manufacture rather than regulation factory output. The pommel nut is intact and appears undisturbed. Overall wear, patination, and construction are consistent with wartime manufacture rather than post-war reproduction.
The knife is accompanied by its original leather scabbard, of Second Pattern type, fitted with a brass chape featuring the correct elongated drainage slot. The scabbard shows extensive service wear and clear evidence of period field repair, including reinforced stitching and leather wrapping at the throat, together with a tear consistent with prolonged use. Such repairs are typical of wartime service and unit-level maintenance rather than later restoration.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 17.4 cm. Overall length: 30.4 cm. Guard 2 inches.
Historical Note:
The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife was introduced in 1940 for British Commandos and other specialist units, undergoing a series of rapid wartime evolutions. While standard First, Second, and Third Pattern variants are well documented, a small number of non-standard examples are known, particularly from early wartime production, private purchase, or workshop assembly carried out outside the principal Wilkinson and Sheffield contracts.
This example conforms most closely to the Second Pattern, but its smooth brass grip and lack of blade markings place it firmly outside standard contract manufacture. Such variant pieces are uncommon and remain poorly documented, requiring assessment based on construction, materials, wear patterns, and associated scabbard rather than markings alone.
Smooth-gripped Fairbairn–Sykes knives are sometimes informally referred to as “Polish” knives within collector circles, a label generally linked to the presence of Polish forces in Britain and their use of non-standard equipment early in the war. However, there is no firm documentary evidence to support a specific Polish origin for smooth-gripped Fairbairn–Sykes variants, and the term should be regarded as descriptive rather than definitive. In the absence of provenance, such examples are more plausibly interpreted as non-contract or workshop-assembled wartime variants rather than nationally attributed issue.
The accompanying scabbard, of Second Pattern type and showing extensive period field repair, strongly supports a wartime service context for the knife.
*Condition*
Blade with surface wear, scattered light pitting, and age-consistent patina; no major chips or structural damage observed. Grip with handling wear and small surface marks, retaining good form and colour. Crossguard with oxidation and wear. Scabbard heavily worn, with period repairs, reinforced stitching, and a tear at the throat; structurally intact despite losses and heavy service use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQDOOXHOO_280227052025
