UNIQUE**GIFTED TO WW2 BRITISH JAPANESE POW LEO RAWLINGS BY HIS LIBERATOR**1st Pattern Wilkinson FS Commando Fighting Knife With Double Etched Panels & Scabbard His Signed Book ‘And Dawn Came Up Like Thunder’ An Account Of POW Experience & Provenance. Knives

**UNIQUE**GIFTED TO WW2 BRITISH JAPANESE POW LEO RAWLINGS BY HIS LIBERATOR**1st Pattern Wilkinson FS Commando Fighting Knife With Double Etched Panels & Scabbard His Signed Book ‘And Dawn Came Up Like Thunder’ An Account Of POW Experience & Provenance. - 21967:1

The 1st Pattern FS fighting knife was introduced in 1940 and produced by Wilkinson Sword (see page 63 of The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives By Flook). This is rare to find, original WW2 1st pattern, FS dagger with original 1st pattern scabbard made unique by the fact that it was given to liberated POW Leo Rawlings in Malaysia / Singapore at the end of WW2 by one of his liberators. The nickel plated grip has been period field corded over grip used in jungle warfare (the steel grip and sweaty hand palms not making a good combination). We are sure the original steel grip is in good shape under the cord over grip, but we would not suggest removing this jungle "overcoat" because it makes the knife so rare. The ricasso is marked with correct etched panels, 'Wilkinson Sword London' together with crossed swords legend & the reverse 'The FS Fighting Knife', both panels has age and war service related rubbing but are clearly visible. Its double edged dagger blade with medial ridge measures 166mm in length (blade lengths of these FS knives vary as they were hand ground). The tip is blunt having hit something sometime during service. The blade has staining consistent with age and service use. It is complete with original 1st Pattern leather scabbard with nickel plated brass chape & integral belt loop with retaining strap. The retaining band has separated, the popper now apart but complete which has the correct ‘Newey’ press stud fastener. All other leather & stitching are intact. The First Pattern is rare enough, but this is made even rarer and more desirable by cord hilt wrap & the provenance included with the knife which is an original signed hardback copy of Leo Rawlings' highly acclaimed book ‘And The Dawn Came Up Like Thunder’, an account of being a POW. Together with a letter from Buckingham Palace ordered By Queen Elizabeth II thanking him for the signed copy of his book together with another related letter dated 1972. A great piece with tremendous history. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21967:1

£2,750.00