*British, WWII, 1st Pattern Wilkinson Fairbairn–Sykes Fighting Knife, With Original Sheath & Service Papers of Sub‑Lieutenant Alexander Fraser RNVR*
A superb and rare example of the highly sought‑after 1st Pattern Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife by Wilkinson Sword, London, measuring approximately 16.9 cm blade and 29.9 cm overall. The knife retains its characteristic 1st Pattern features: polished hand‑ground double‑edged blade, square ricasso etched “The F‑S Fighting Knife” to one side and “Wilkinson Sword, London” to the other, nickel‑plated “S” crossguard, and lathe‑turned nickel‑plated brass grip with fine chequering. Housed in its original brown leather scabbard with nickel chape, retaining the Newey press stud fastener.
This example is accompanied by a rare set of original service documents to the wartime owner, Temporary Sub‑Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, RNVR, dated 1941–46, including qualification, conduct and discharge certificates from HMS Lochailort and HMS St Clement.
History Note:
Temporary Sub‑Lieutenant Alexander Fraser joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve with officer seniority from 31 July 1941, as confirmed in the February 1942 Navy List. His early RNVR service coincided with the expansion of the Combined Operations programme, which saw officers trained for commando support, special service flotillas, and landing craft command.
In 1944 Fraser undertook officer training at HMS Lochailort, the principal Royal Navy training base for Combined Operations officers, passing for the rank of Temporary Acting Sub‑Lieutenant. Lochailort trained officers for amphibious landings in Normandy and later Far East operations. By January 1945, he was posted to HMS St Clement, a landing craft depot and control ship, serving as a watchkeeping officer “for minor landing craft only.”
Fraser’s Combined Operations service likely encompassed Operation Overlord (Normandy landings, June 1944) or similar amphibious assignments, and by late 1945 his certificates place him still on active duty—possibly in Southeast Asian operations supporting the Burma and Malaya campaigns. He was formally released from service in March 1946.
The presence of this Wilkinson 1st Pattern F‑S, carried by a trained Combined Operations officer, is consistent with known equipping of RNVR officers in landing craft commands, where such knives were issued for close‑quarters combat and self‑defence.
*Condition*
The Fairbairn–Sykes dagger remains in fine original condition. Blade shows light service wear with original hand‑ground profile intact, etching clear and crisp on both ricasso panels. Crossguard retains original plating, grip shows excellent chequering with natural patina from age.
Original leather scabbard retains its nickel chape; leather body supple with surface wear. The retaining tab of the press stud strap is broken and one small chape pin is absent—common age‑related losses on 1st Pattern scabbards.
Overall, an exceptionally fine example of a 1st Pattern Wilkinson F‑S, the rarity of which is accentuated by accompanying original provenance to a named RNVR officer with service records.
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