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Fairbairn Sykes, in the white?


Charles1966
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Charles1966

Hello all, I recently picked up this F/S 3rd pattern with a thick hand ground blade. I was wondering though, it seems as if it were left in the white with no trace of bluing whatsoever... It's well marked with the Broadarrow I and ENGLAND export stamp. It has a mold marking of 1 on the alloy grip as well. My question is, were these ever produced without bluing or left in the white, so to speak? Thanks

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Garandomatic

Yeah. The one I had was trashed, no bluing. Always had a bad taste, that knife. Seller was very careful not to picture the broken and reground blade.

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I think I see scratches on your pommel nut? My guess is that the nut was loosened, the knife was taken apart and the finish of the guard and the blade were removed.

 

Your knife was one of 2,500 contracted by the Indian stores with Wilkinson in December 1943. I believe that it was probably used by Commandoes or Chindits in the CBI.

 

http://www.wilkinsonfscollection.com/wilkinsonfscollection.com/Knife_World_Article_May_2014.html

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Charles1966

I agree, it was most likely a restoration project that was never finished, for what ever reason. I have since taken it apart and the tang is indeed blued... I purchased this knife on ebay last week for what I believe to be a very reasonable price and I think that I will finish what someone else started... Thanks for the info

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I agree

I would leave it as is.If you seek a better example they do turn up.

 

I have a second pattern from a 1st Ranger BN. Veteran.It was found at his estate auction by an old friend whos hobby was going to auctions.He cleaned or polished it before he sold it to me.Would have been better left alone but there isnt anything that can be done at this point.

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Charles1966

Thanks. I've done some museum restoration work in the past and a rule of thumb is, don't do anything that can't be undone, ie drilling, cutting etc... To return something to serviceable condition is acceptable as long as it's done properly. After I research the process and materials used, I may restore the knife and scabbard to as close to original as possible, I'll post pics if I do...

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  • 1 month later...

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