Found an old knife in the loft

Hitman_Leon

Hitman_Leon

Hitman_Leon

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I was moving a few things around and found this knife/dagger, seems to be one of these Link. On the page it would be the second model, image number 7 about halfway down the page. It was wrapped in some canvas that fell apart when I picked it up so must have been there a long time.

IMAG7566_1_zps48257ab0.jpg


Close-up of handle markings.
IMAG7575_1_zps1b7a55ce.jpg
 
I like how it has a non-slip handle so that when the blood really starts pouring you won't spoil things with a slippery grip.
 
As someone just starting to collect militaria: DO WANT.

Oh, and it's a Fairbairn Sykes knife, I think. Made by J Nowill & Sons (as shown by the crossed keys and 'D' with star above).

The Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife was designed by Captains W.E. Fairbairn and E.A. Sykes at the Commando Special Training Centre, located in the Scottish Highlands at Achnacarry. Both former members of the Shanghai Police Force, Fairbairn and Sykes had returned to England at the beginning of the Second World War, where they were commissioned as Captains to instruct British Commandos in knife fighting, unarmed combat, and self defence. The knife was adopted by the British Army and soon proved extremely popular with British special forces. It has seen service in every conflict involving British forces since the Second World War and remains in service today, over sixty years after it was first adopted.
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Does it have any more markings on it? On the guard, perhaps?
 
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Edrof said:
As someone just starting to collect militaria: DO WANT.

Oh, and it's a Fairbairn Sykes knife, I think. Made by J Nowill & Sons (as shown by the crossed keys and 'D' with star above).



Does it have any more markings on it? On the guard, perhaps?
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Just the keys; the star and the raised A.

Other than that just very uniform sharpening marks on the blade.

So that makes the F&S 2nd model that went into production in April 42.
 
Hitman_Leon said:
Just the keys; the star and the raised A.

Other than that just very uniform sharpening marks on the blade.

So that makes the F&S 2nd model that went into production in April 42.
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One thing I love about getting this kind of item is the little mystery tour you take in trying to identify markings. You never know where it'll lead you, and as you find out more the item comes alive.

Well anyway it's a lovely slice of history and thanks for sharing. :)
 
That is awesome, what a sweet find. Your Dad's/Grandad's?

When I was little I found an iron knuckleduster and WWI revolver (doesn't work) in an old box in loft :cool:
 
Hitman_Leon said:
Opposite of me; do not want; this will be going into my safe and then gone asap, children are far too curious for me to keep this.
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Fair enough. Sell it on perhaps? I can't see a price for it online right now, but I'm sure it'll buy a few fish suppers, at least. If there is a matching sheath it'll be even better.
 
Sunbed said:
That is awesome, what a sweet find. Your Dad's/Grandad's?

When I was little I found an iron knuckleduster and WWI revolver (doesn't work) in an old box in loft :cool:
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My grandfather on the English side was not in the forces for medical reasons. My maternal grandfather was a Hungarian officer and an avid Nazi; if it had been his it would have been a different knife as he did live here in the past I really would not have wanted to find anything like this he had left.
 
Hitman_Leon said:
My grandfather on the English side was not in the forces for medical reasons. My maternal grandfather was a Hungarian officer and an avid Nazi; if it had been his it would have been a different knife as he did live here in the past I really would not have wanted to find anything like this he had left.
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Could it have been a 'war trophy' of his?
 
Edrof said:
Fair enough. Sell it on perhaps? I can't see a price for it online right now, but I'm sure it'll buy a few fish suppers, at least. If there is a matching sheath it'll be even better.
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Just the knife; was only one spot where the chimney go's through the loft that I had not looked in the past, was moving some things and saw the canvas, picked it up and the knife fell out.
 
Hitman_Leon said:
Opposite of me; do not want; this will be going into my safe and then gone asap, children are far too curious for me to keep this.
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If you simply want rid of it, PM me ;)

If you want it sold for its value, collectors are all over the place. But research your prices and be reasonable, without letting the nastier ones rip you off!!

If you want it sent somewhere appropriate, I know a large number of British living history types (my area is more American) who will find it a suitably respectful home. Most likely it would end up with a British WW2 veteran, rather than a private collector.
 
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