A World War Two Fairbarn Sykes first pattern F-S Fighting Knife, with nickel plated knurled grip and an S-shaped crossguard, marked Wilkinson Sword Co. Ltd London to the ricasso, the blade apparently re-tipped and shortened slightly in length to 15.5cm, overall length 28.5cm, complete with a metal tipped leather scabbard with stud fastening, faintly hand-inscribed RFN Atess T., S/D.
Note - Research has revealed a Thomas Atess 1545380 as listed in the RAF in 1941.
Provenance - Acquired by the present owner by inheritance from his Uncle Les. Little is known by the present owner about his Uncle's involvement in the war, other than being told by him previously that he was serving as a dog handler in 1945 and collected this knife from a German prisoner of war who had acquired it from a British soldier earlier in the war.

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Mark Hannam
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