SOLD EXCEPTIONAL BRITISH WW2 ⇑5 BEADED & RIBBED PATTERN FAIRBAIRN SYKES FIGHTING KNIFE & SCABBARD…….JUST STUNNING!

In mint un-issued condition, we have an exceptional example of a mid war, 1943-44 production ⇑5 “broad arrow 5” marked British Military Ribbed and Beaded Pattern F-S Fighting Knife.  The maker, signified by the ⇑5 is quite rare, and are found to be of the highest quality with hand ground blades with a small v ricasso on the blade.    There is some speculation that they were made by William Rogers, who is thought to have designed the elegant beaded and ribbed handle pattern.  The 63/4th inch hand ground blade is flawless with a perfect point and the original factory sharpening. The blueing on the blade and the blackening on the handle are nearly completely intact, if this was a pistol we would sat 99% mint crisp un-issued condition.  Both the scabbard and the knife are export (England) marked as these knifes are.  This is an impeccable example of an early war knife exactly was would have been used during commando raids and in clandestine operations during in the war. While you do see 3rd pattern F-S knives in nice condition, the early 1st and 2nd & beaded pattern knives just do not turn up in this crisp.  This is a rare piece in impossible to upgrade condition.   The beaded and ribbed variant, quite rare, is considered by collectors to be the most attractive of these knives and the most sought after.