Commando dagger bearing Wilkinson Sword markings (unauthenticated)

This item is a double-edged fighting knife, resembling a classic Fairbairn-Sykes style commando dagger, presented inside a fitted storage case lined with dark fabric and cream-colored satin. The blade is straight, highly polished steel with a tapering lanceolate point. The handle appears to be cast brass with a ribbed, knurled grip pattern and a simple oval crossguard. Notably, the user-supplied attribution claims this piece is a Wilkinson Sword dagger from 1940-1945, though this claim remains unverified by physical inspection. Etched onto the blade is text reading '1940 - 1945', accompanied by a royal coat of arms insignia, the text 'BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II SWORD CUTLERS', the maker's mark 'WILKINSON SWORD LONDON', and 'MADE IN ENGLAND'. The presence of a reference to Queen Elizabeth II creates a chronological discrepancy with the user-supplied 1940-1945 date range, as Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952, suggesting this may be a commemorative or later manufactured piece rather than a World War II era item. The metal surfaces appear clean with a bright finish and minimal visible wear or patina. The identification and attribution in the name rest entirely on the visible etchings on the blade, which are treated strictly as observable markings rather than definitive proof of age or provenance.

Based on the visual evidence available in the photograph, I have evaluated this double-edged fighting knife, which the owner identifies as a Wilkinson Sword commando dagger purportedly dating from 1940-1945. Based on what I can see, the piece features a polished steel blade housed in a fitted storage case, bearing etchings that include a royal coat of arms, the maker's mark 'WILKINSON SWORD LONDON', and a reference to Queen Elizabeth II. I can't verify from a photo whether the piece is a World War II era artifact, and the visible reference to Queen Elizabeth II—who ascended to the throne in 1952—presents a chronological discrepancy with the owner-supplied 1940-1945 date range. This suggests the piece may be a later commemorative or commercial issue rather than a wartime model. Would need physical inspection to confirm material composition, manufacturing methods, and the exact nature of the blade etchings. Assuming the attribution to a post-war Wilkinson Sword commemorative or commercial production is correct, comparable items of this type typically trade in the $250 to $400 range on the secondary edged weapons market, driven by collector demand for Fairbairn-Sykes style patterns and classic British cutlery brands. If physical inspection reveals the item to be a modern replica, tourist piece, or lacking the claimed maker provenance, the value would likely decrease to the $75 to $150 range. To establish a more precise evaluation and determine authenticity, an in-person examination by a qualified edged weapons expert, detailed metallurgical testing, and verification of maker marks and historical production records would be required.