United Kingdom. A Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, Third Pattern

A very well-preserved third pattern Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, measuring 31 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 17 cm-long toned magnetic steel blade which remains sharp throughout the edges and tip. The blade sits securely within a straight toned magnetic steel crossguard, the underside of which bears a broad arrow flanked by an inspection mark of “B”.  A single piece of toned brass composes the handle grip, showing classic third pattern ribbing, with the blade’s tang extending into the handle’s hollow interior. The pommel is stamped with a mould number of “3”, and completed in a rounded nut. Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of brown leather and capped with a toned brass tip.  A brown leather panel affixed to the throat has dual slits which allow the wearer’s belt to slip through the panel for suspension. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and loss of toning to the blade, some verdigris to the handle, material fatigue to the leather elements, and the loss of an elasticized strap formerly holding the knife in position during scabbard storage. This late-war example remains in a better than very fine condition.