British, WWII, 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, Broad Arrow & William Rodgers Marked, with WD-Marked Leather Sheath

*British, WWII, 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, Broad Arrow & William Rodgers Marked, with WD-Marked Leather Sheath*

A wartime 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife with the classic turned and ringed brass grip, blackened finish, and straight oval steel guard. The blade retains its correct parkerised finish and measures approximately 17.5 cm, giving an overall length of 29 cm. The crossguard bears two original factory/issue markings: WILLIAM RODGERS SHEFFIELD ENGLAND maker’s stamp (faint but clearly present) and the British Broad Arrow acceptance mark. The pommel nut retains its wartime blacking and remains undisturbed.

Accompanied by its correct leather scabbard with blackened chape, four leather retaining tabs, and original elastic retention loop. The front of the sheath is impressed with an oval maker’s mark reading “C.S.C.S” (lettering compressed and typical of wartime Sheffield leather contractors). The reverse carries an impressed Inspectorate crest over “W ↑ D”, the standard War Department ownership stamp.

Historical Note:
The 3rd Pattern F-S dagger, introduced in late 1943, replaced the earlier chequered-grip models. Its simplified, machine-turned handle allowed faster production while maintaining the dagger’s lethal efficiency in close-quarters combat. These daggers were carried by Commandos, Airborne Forces, SOE, and specialist troops across NW Europe, Italy, and the Far East. William Rodgers of Sheffield was among the established cutlers supplying official-pattern fighting knives during the war. Guard markings with the Broad Arrow indicate this example passed through official military stores rather than private purchase.

The sheath’s W ↑ D marking is entirely correct for wartime-issued equipment. The impressed crest above the WD arrow follows the pattern of the War Department Inspectorate mark, found on bayonet frogs, pistol holsters, and knife sheaths from the same period. A typical comparable Inspectorate crest can be seen here:

*Condition*
The dagger remains in original, honest condition. The blade retains an even parkerised finish with light age spotting. Crossguard stamps are visible and undisturbed. Handle finish shows typical high-spot wear, but no damage or modification. Pommel nut is original and tight. The leather scabbard is structurally sound with expected operational wear: softened leather tabs, surface scuffing, and age toning to the elastic. The C.S.C.S oval stamp is clear, and the reverse WD crest remains visible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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