RARE**Limited Edition One Of Only 400**Cased, WW2 Commemorative Wilkinson Sword Fairbairn Sykes 3rd Pattern FS Fighting Knife \'United We Conquer 1940-1945\' With Etched Blade. Sn 21466 Knives

**RARE**Limited Edition One Of Only 400**Cased, WW2 Commemorative Wilkinson Sword Fairbairn Sykes 3rd Pattern FS Fighting Knife 'United We Conquer 1940-1945' With Etched Blade. Sn 21466 - 21466

The British Commandos were formed in the early stages of the Second World War, in June 1940, following a request from the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, for a force that could carry out raids against German-occupied Europe. Initially drawn from within the British Army from soldiers who volunteered for the Special Service Brigade, the Commandos' ranks would eventually be filled by members of all branches of the United Kingdom's armed forces and a number of foreign volunteers from German-occupied countries. Reaching a war time strength of over 30 individual units and four assault brigades, the Commandos served in all theatres of war from the Arctic Circle to Europe and from the Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre to South-East Asia. Their operations ranged from small groups of men landing from the sea or by parachute to a brigade of assault troops spearheading the Allied invasions of Europe and Asia. All Commandos were issued with the iconic FS Fighting knife. This attractive full size (11 ½” overall) 3rd pattern FS Commando dagger was produced post WW2 by Wilkinson Sword in a Limited Edition of 400 blades for the American market & 500 for the British & Canadian markets to Commemorate the British Commandos WW2 Service 1940-1945 (see page 97 items 482 & 483 of the book ‘Fighting Knives’ by Stephens). The knife is in excellent condition. It has a blued blade etched on both sides, one side ‘United We Conquer 1940-1945’. The reverse with panel of foliate decoration. The ricasso of one side is etched with the Wilkinson Sword manufacturer's panel & QEII Royal Appointment. The reverse has Wilkinson name & Royal appointment together with ‘US’ indicating this is one of the 400 blades made for the American market (there is no visible blade production number). The ribbed 3rd pattern handle and cross guard retain their original blue finish. The dagger is contained in its later quality made leatherette wrapped wooden case. The case has a hinged lid and clasp fasteners. The inside of the case is lined with green felt. It is contoured to snugly fit the dagger. The price for this rare, limited edition FS includes UK delivery. Sn 21466

£595.00