Can anyone tell me if this is a genuine Sykes-Fairbairn or just some knock-off? I seem to remember buying it in San Francisco on my way to Viet Nam in 1965 but maybe not. The only marks are England stamped on the sheath and the 9 with an arrow on the lower handle. If it is genuine, do they have any value in less than pristine condition? (other than sentimental)

Thanks for the help.

Hi and welcome. This is not my area of expertise, but I did some research for you. It looks to me to be a genuine variation of the FS knife. They are known as 'Beaded and Ribbed' variants. According to Flooks British Military Knives book, these were private purchase and officially issued. Your has the GI Broad Arrow stamp and number acceptance marks. Your knife appears to be the more common variation of this type with 9 beaded rings. It looks just like the one in the book to me. I have no idea of value but your knife looks to be in pretty good condition IMO. Some people that really know about these knives frequent British Blades forum. You could post it there or I could do it for you if you prefer. Best wishes, s-k
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/sho ... hp?t=50349

Thanks for the suggestion. I posted my question on their forum, in the thread you provided.

Hi Jerry:
When you get a chance how about some high resolution photos or scan at 250% at 96dpi.
Some closeups of sections of the handle also. Unless you are in bright sun please use tripod. It is hard to do but closeups of bottom and top of handle would be good. Photo both sides of blade from where it enters handle to the tip. What is the handle material. A close up of both views of skull crusher too. Thanks
moss

This is probably not what you're talking about but they're as good as I can get. By the "skull crusher" I assume you're talking about the "nut"? The handle appears to be cast brass.

Hi Jerry:
It appears to be as the book says to be a ribbed and roped 9 rope variant. My books do not show the ovate nut holding the pommel on. That does not mean it is not real. I would suggest getting a book by Silvey called "Knives of the United States Military WWII". Try your library first cause it is expensive as it has full color plates in it. With proper authentication your knife could be worth quite a bit if real. As you know though condition governs price. Sorry I can't help more.
Here is a black and white photo of what I think it is.
moss

Thanks for your input. I appreciate your time.

The gents over at British Blades tell me it's the real deal and a very rare variation on the Fairbairn-Sykes British Commando Knife. I was told it's value is somewhere between $350 - $500 but to paraphrase what you said, "Condition is everything". What's left out of that is the fact that there also needs to be an individual with a case of the wants and willing to pay the price.

The "England" stamped on the guard indicates the knife was WWII surplus, shipped to the states as part of war debt repayment. If that were not stamped on the guard, it would mean it had been issued and the value would be more in the $800 range.

Sigh. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.