WWII British 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife – Matching Double "2" Die-Cast Grip Mold Marks

An authentic World War II British 3rd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) Commando Fighting Knife, complete with its original wartime leather scabbard.

This particular knife features a rare and highly sought-after configuration that serves as definitive proof of its genuine wartime heritage: matching double "2" foundry mould stamps.

During late 1943, to keep pace with intense wartime demand, the British Ministry of Supply outsourced the production of the 3rd Pattern zinc-alloy handles to four primary industrial die-casting foundries.

To monitor quality control, these foundries integrated single-digit identification numbers (1, 2, 3, or 4) directly into their two-piece casting molds.

This specific knife is an exceptional example because it features the number "2" stamped at both ends of the grip, on the smooth collar right above the crossguard and on the upper collar just below the pommel nut.

Finding matching mould numbers on both the top and bottom collars is the ultimate validation for collectors.

It confirms that this cast-alloy handle came out of a period-correct, unaltered Foundry Mould #2 (historically attributed to wartime manufacturers like Perry Bar Metal Co. or Walsall Die Casting Ltd.).

Post-war commercial production and modern reproductions do not carry these distinct single-digit foundry marks, making this double-stamped variation a textbook example of a genuine 1943–1945 Ministry of Supply contract piece.

The Blade: An authentic, hand-ground stiletto blade with a prominent central diamond ridge.

It features a deep, untouched dark patina with light, honest pitting and surface age wear appropriate for a field-carried combat weapon.

It has not been heavily over-sharpened or modified.

The Grip: The concentric ringed alloy grip shows beautiful, authentic aging.

The original chemically blackened finish has naturally worn away on the high points from handling, revealing the characteristic grey zinc-alloy underneath.

The pommel nut is securely fixed, holding the crossguard and blade perfectly square.

The Scabbard: Includes its original WWII-pattern leather sheath featuring the correct hand-sewn rear seam, belt loop slots, and its original brass chape (tip protector) secured by a single heavy reverse rivet.

Unfortunately the top elastic retaining band has gone.

This is an excellent, investment-grade piece of special forces history perfect for any serious WWII militaria, British Commando, or edged-weapons collection.

The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description.

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.