Sykes-Fairbairn Commando Dagger, possibly

[Sean the Nailer]

I don't know if this is authentic or not (looks like it could be) and there is also a Hat Brass and Compass listed both fore and aft. I used to know a guy who was trained at Camp X during the war, but alas, he's not around any longer. So I can't ask him.

But, I thought some might be interested in such, here. Maybe someone wants to bid on it. I have NO connections to this auction site OR the seller. Just something I spotted and wished I had the funds to bid for myself. Ya'll are welcome to check it out.

4th page, second from the bottom, far left. (that's how/where it shows up for me, anyways)

IMG 2996 1

McSherry Auctions in Stonewall, MB offers comprehensive on-site and off-site auction services at affordable rates. Call us at 204-467-1858.

www.mcsherryauction.com

 

[pmclaine]

Looks patined with age.

There is a website out there that documents these to the smallest detail.

Can you put in a bid for the deer hummels for me?

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Looks patined with age.

There is a website out there that documents these to the smallest detail.

Can you put in a bid for the deer hummels for me?

(I don't have a link to the vid of that big guy, asking)

The WHAaaaaaaat??? HA.

 

[longebow]

Looks like a USMC Raider stiletto. The hilt is broken, which is common due to the zinc getting brittle with age. It looks like it has been sharpened, causing the "waist" shape to the blade. If you can inspect it up close, you might see the "USCM" on the blade. A great piece of military, and increasingly valuable.

United States Marine Raider stiletto - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Had one many years ago, and regret selling it...

longebow

 

[Son of Dorn]

OSS/SOE/Fairbairn-Sykes stilettos have a distinct step in their pommel. This one appears to be a USMC Raider stiletto like @longebow said. Compare these:

USMC STILETTO(S):

SOE/OSS STILETTO(S):

Note the difference in pommel shape and knurling on the grip.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I've been learned. thank you.

 

[Son of Dorn]

I've been learned. thank you.

Should check this out if you want a Fairbairn-Sykes (or any of the other nifty SOE toys they have to offer): http://www.macdonaldarms.com/armoury/forsale.php

A bit expensive but also pretty good reputation for their blades from what I've found. Only trouble is that I've tried contacting them several times and never got any responses...

 

[pmclaine]

This is the page I was thinking of

The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knives

Welcome!

www.fairbairnsykesfightingknives.com

Has the derivatives on there also.

 

[Jscb1b]

Hey S.o.D., what is the step at the front of the hand guard on the Raider?

 

[Son of Dorn]

Hey S.o.D., what is the step at the front of the hand guard on the Raider?

Couldn't really say, I'm no expert on the knives. But my guess is it's where the guard was just trimmed down compared to the OSS/SOE knives to save on a little weight while remaining thicker around the tang of the blade and covering where the blade meets the grip. Notice how on the OSS/SOE ones, there's just the thinnest of gaps there?

(EDIT) From the F~S site I got the pics from and pmclaine linked: "The USMC Stiletto's F~S parentage is quite obvious but its construction included a few major design and materials flaws not common to the F~S. Primary among these is the short tang and thin blade which tended to snap off, as you will note in one of the knives shown here. This wreck of a knife (Below) also had the ends of the guard broken off. The handle material is an alloy which tended to continue to age harden, making it brittle. The handle shape is excellent and cast directly onto the short tang with an integral guard, eliminating the need for a top nut and expediting production." So part of the answer is that it's just part of the casting process and I suspect it's there to cover the base of the blade a little more. Damn but I don't think I'd have a USMC stiletto as my knife of choice, though. One of the actual F~S models or the V-42 would be better.

 

[Jscb1b]

You can use it to compare with the FS too.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Had a friend of mine look at this. HIs comment was that it's an over-sharpened S-F Mk III... not worth much.

Unless... there is a great provenance with it. And a documented history. In which case, all bets can be off.

It's not rare, early or even in good condition. None of that matters if it has ironclad provenance of its history.

He did not think it was a Raider knife. But then again, it's pretty hard to tell from the auction pictures.

Great find, Sean!

Cheers,

Sirhr