MINT Cased Commemorative WW2 Fairbairn Sykes 3rd Pattern FS Fighting Knife \\\'Commando 1940-45\\\' By Wilkinson Sword With Etched Blade. Knives

**MINT**Cased Commemorative WW2 Fairbairn Sykes 3rd Pattern FS Fighting Knife 'Commando 1940-45' By Wilkinson Sword With Etched Blade. Sn 19108 - 19108

The British Commandos were formed during 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 wartime 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 superb 3rd pattern FS Commando dagger was produced to Commemorate the British Army Commandos WW2 Service 1940-1945. The knife is in pristine condition. It has a beautiful 175mm blued blade etched on both sides with gold foliate design panels. The ricasso is etched at the ricasso with the manufacturer's detail 'Wilkinson Sword Made In England' with their crossed swords legend and Queen Elizabeth II Royal Appointment all in gold. The ribbed handle and cross guard retain all of their original gold coloured plated finish. The dagger is contained in its original wooden box with hinged lid covered in green leatherette material. The case has clasp fasteners. The inside of the case is lined in green felt & white silk & is contoured to snugly fit the dagger. The exterior lid of the box is emblazoned with the Wilkinson Sword name & Crossed Swords legend together with the stylised image of a Commando shoulder title in Gold & 1940-1945. The silk lining of the case lists the WW2 Battle Honours & Military Decorations Awarded to the Commandos all in gold. The price for this excellent commemorative piece includes UK delivery. Sn 19108

£545.00