Sykes-Fairbairn Commando Dagger, possibly

Sean the Nailer

Sean the Nailer

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    • May 20, 2006
    7,070
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    Winnipeg, Mb.
    #1
    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)

    www.mcsherryauction.com

    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 www.mcsherryauction.com
     
    #4
    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.

    en.wikipedia.org

    United States Marine Raider stiletto - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

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

    longebow
     
    #5
    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):
    1575926463869.png



    SOE/OSS STILETTO(S):
    1575926531655.png


    Note the difference in pommel shape and knurling on the grip.
     
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    #7
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    #10
    Jscb1b said:
    Hey S.o.D., what is the step at the front of the hand guard on the Raider?
    Click to expand...
    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.
     
    Last edited:
    #12
    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
     
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