Until I read the excellent book by Robert Wilkinson Latham "Wilkinsons and the F.S Knife" I had not realised there were two versions of the Tom Bealey Knife. These were produced between 1946 and 1949. The purpose of this knife was purely commercial and for window dressing. Quoting RWL "To stimulate sales of the Wilkinson Empire Razor, both in the UK but also in the US and South Africa. 500 of these knives were manufactured. To make them eye catching they had an ivorine grip, gilt fittings and teched blades (two different patterns) with a black leather scabbard with gilt top and bottom mounts. The first issue had the three panel etching mentioning the Stalingrad Sword but the second issue in late 1948-9 omitted mention of the Stalinngrad Sword because of the worsening tensions in Europe with the Berlin Airlift in 1948, the strong anti Communist feeling in the US and UK and the start of the Cold War. In 1949, knives that had been returned after window display were re-bladed with the non Stalingrad etching. The etching was : Three panel etching :-Hand Forged by Tom Beasley - The Famous Swordsmith-of Stalingrad Sword Fame. Two Panel Etching :- Hand Forged by Tom Beasley-The Famous Swordsmith".
To read more about these knives and the other superb patterns made by Wilkinsons RWL's book is a must for all blade collectors.
Recently I managed to buy a two panel pattern and the following images illustrate the two versions. The three panel is by far the better quality. A couple of points of interest are that the two panel version has vice marks on the pommel nut, the three panel does not. Also the three panel version has Made in England near the crossguard and the two panel does not.
Although not a "combat" Knife I think these are a very interesting pattern and fit well in any collection of Wilkinson Knives.
The first 6 images are of the three panel pattern
To read more about these knives and the other superb patterns made by Wilkinsons RWL's book is a must for all blade collectors.
Recently I managed to buy a two panel pattern and the following images illustrate the two versions. The three panel is by far the better quality. A couple of points of interest are that the two panel version has vice marks on the pommel nut, the three panel does not. Also the three panel version has Made in England near the crossguard and the two panel does not.
Although not a "combat" Knife I think these are a very interesting pattern and fit well in any collection of Wilkinson Knives.
The first 6 images are of the three panel pattern
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