FS Dagger

[joerg]

In an auction in Germany a Fairbairn-Sykes dagger was offered.

There is no "arrow" or other inspection mark stamped on the weapon. The crossguard ist stamped ' H.G. LONG & Co. OSS DAGGER SHEFFIELD ENGLAND' .

One side of the blade is stamped with the usual "F-S"-mark (The F S Fighting Knife) the other side is stamped with a makers mark.

Because of the lack of the arrow I presume the weapon was never in use with the UK-Forces. The mention of "ENGLAND" in the makers stamp on the crossguard suggests that is was ment for export. The stamp "OSS DAGGER" indicates that is was made for the US-Forces. About the OSS-daggers I herad sometimes the opinion that they are of poor quality, because the US-Government paid less for the production, than the UK-MoD. On the other hand it is a sheffield production.

Despite collecting British militaria I am not a expert in British fighting knives.

So after all - how much should I spend for the dagger ??

[joerg]

and here are some photos of the above mentioned dagger

FS - \'FS-mark\'.pdf

FS - makers mark.pdf

[joerg]

and here are some photos of the above mentioned dagger

FS - crossguard.pdf

[Mervyn Mitton]

joerg - the price will depend on which pattern it is - and that is determined by the grip. I tried to open your attachment, however, Nortons said it was one of the first of this type they had encountered and advised me to cancel - don't ask me why, I'm sure there is nothing wrong with it - however, with computers I do as I'm told....

Could you post it as a picture ?

[joerg]

joerg - the price will depend on which pattern it is - and that is determined by the grip. I tried to open your attachment, however, Nortons said it was one of the first of this type they had encountered and advised me to cancel - don't ask me why, I'm sure there is nothing wrong with it - however, with computers I do as I'm told....

Could you post it as a picture ?

I'll try it again.

It's the second pattern I suppose.

Best regards

Joerg

FS - crossguard.pdf

[joerg]

[

FS - \'FS-mark\'.pdf

FS - makers mark.pdf

[Dave S]

Hi,

The FS knife was made by 'Wilkinson sword' you cant miss this on a FS knife, also the handle was rough, enginered, and there was a brass button strap which held the knife in the sheath.

Dave