Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it's even an original M8A1 scabbard.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it's even an original M8A1 scabbard.

 

Jeed,

 

Good eye. I didn't bring it up earlier since the main discussion was about whether the knife and the scabbard were issued as a set and I didn't want to muddy-up the water.

 

Since you can't see the markings on the steel plate, I think it's either a US M8 scabbard with an abnormally large tie-down lace hole (here are several variations of the M8)...

 

http://www.usmilitar...es.com/6-11.jpg

 

or a German copy of the M8A1

 

http://e-sarcoinc.co...rycontract.aspx

 

or a hybrid someone put together. The very large hole for the tie-down lace suggests German copy, but the straps look worn like a well used M8.

I'm sure anything I say now, will only be misinterpreted.

I'm sure anything I say now, will only be misinterpreted.

 

JS,

 

We are always glad to hear from you. Don't you get gun-shy on me, now.

Jeed,

 

Good eye. I didn't bring it up earlier since the main discussion was about whether the knife and the scabbard were issued as a set and I didn't want to muddy-up the water.

 

Since you can't see the markings on the steel plate, I think it's either a US M8 scabbard with an abnormally large tie-down lace hole (here are several variations of the M8)...

 

http://www.usmilitar...es.com/6-11.jpg

 

or a German copy of the M8A1

 

http://e-sarcoinc.co...rycontract.aspx

 

or a hybrid someone put together. The very large hole for the tie-down lace suggests German copy, but the straps look worn like a well used M8.

 

The scabbard is not a US or WWII issued M8A1 scabbard. The font on the front plate is wrong, and it does not have the BM CO underneath (you can see the front plate in the original ebay posting).

Original WWII M8A1 scabbards would be correct for M3s and M4 leather handled bayonets, and obviously would be available for other knives/bayonets that could be made to fit. The scabbard under discussion, however, was made much later than WWII.

yea.... since I was traveling during the holidays I almost didn't come back to this thread..... When JS posted the initial picture the first thing I noticed was the bogus scabbard and didn't pay much attention to the knife because I made an assumption it was probably a post war knife.... when I returned and saw all the replies I had to look it over because I thought I had missed something... It turned out to be a spirited thread.. hooah!

Spirited.....I like that!!!

The knife is a WWII vintage, but we've learned the scabbard is not. I guess I've been reading the wrong books, and I don't like to argue on the forum. These two were never meant to be paired, but anything can happen.....especially if its in a book.

Did not mean to hurt feelings with My question, I thought this was a forum to share information. Its just that I am not sure what was being said. I will try to a bit more clear:

Question #1: Is the Knife an OSS knife or is it a second Mod. S-F knife?

Question #2 whichever mod knife it is, is it original?

Question #3 (I believe it has been answered after My second post) is the scabbard US made?

Question #4 Is the dealer someone to steer clear of?

 

Again, My apologies for any hurt feelings which was not My intention, just trying to understand what was being said.

^{The knife is an OSS model.The knurling on the handles of the OSS knives are much coarser than the WW2 era produced 2nd model FS knives which had a fine knurling which ran closer together on the handle producing a finer cross hatching pattern.Also on the OSS knives the knurling extends to the base of the hilt all the way to the guard.There is a gap in the knurling on a 2nd pattern FS which appears as a smooth ring between the guard and base of the knurling.}

 

^{The sabbard is some form of postwar European clone in my opinion.The odd rivit for the grip strap appears domed.Ones I have in my collection are flat.Then the odd box stitching on the webb frog and as mentioned the over sized thong hole.I have seem US scabbard where the hole was opened up to a larger diameter by he oner but this one looks factory done.}

 

^{As the say probably a marriage of convienance...a mating of two items.Scabbard was never intended for this knife but ended up in it.Over the years I have seen a multitude of bayonets and knives mated to the incorrect scabbards for one reason or another.Some in surplus stores,flea markets,gunshows,auctions etc with no reasonable explanation.Not every situation has an answer other than some one at some time mated the items together.}

RD,

Thanks for answering skir's questions, in such a complete and accurate fashion!

 

Skir, in the opening of this thread I included a pinned thread from the Edged Weapons Forum, this would have answered your questions about the knive.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/141639-fairbairn-sykes-fighting-knives/

 

All's well here.......

Indeed, all is well.

Ron, Thank You.

My confusion was the title of the original thread, which mentioned FS Stiletto dagger. I am by no means an expert, but have collected OSS and CIA for a while and was familiar with the quick ID of the knurling extending to the guard. Again My confusion was the mention of FS dagger, which another board member seems to have thought also, and knew though look alike are apples and oranges. I really thought I was missing something seeing one knife but talking about another.

Another point of confusion, in My neck of the woods,$450.00 for an original OSS dagger is not a bad price, even in a incorrect scabbard.

My bad for not being clear.

JS, will read Your thread and if I get confused again, I will ask direct questions

Indeed, all is well.

Ron, Thank You.

My confusion was the title of the original thread, which mentioned FS Stiletto dagger. I am by no means an expert, but have collected OSS and CIA for a while and was familiar with the quick ID of the knurling extending to the guard. Again My confusion was the mention of FS dagger, which another board member seems to have thought also, and knew though look alike are apples and oranges. I really thought I was missing something seeing one knife but talking about another.

Another point of confusion, in My neck of the woods,$450.00 for an original OSS dagger is not a bad price, even in a incorrect scabbard.

My bad for not being clear.

JS, will read Your thread and if I get confused again, I will ask direct questions

 

Your most welcome my friend.I agree a fair price for the knife even in the retipped condition.I even threw a quick bid on it but wasnt going to go full bore.The scabbard kinda threw me but intially I was only focusing on the knife.I think overall we all had a good discussion here.Nice to see all the opinions and posts