1883 Model Naval Officer Dirk

[maximus71]

Hi All,
I am pleased to show you my Japanese Navy Officer Dirk/Dagger, this one came from a vet's son in Arkansas, I believe it was never taken apart and has a nice even patina. The grip is genuine ray skin and the scabbard is the shark skin pattern, I took some nice close ups for you guys, the detail is really superb in hand, but the real beauty lies within, the blade is like a mirror! markings under the crossguard show a N inside of a diamond shape and an anchor inside a cherry blossom shape, not sure what the N stands for, maybe Nagano? where it was made possibly, I am assuming this is a early wartime made piece, any help or comments is always appreciated!!

[harryamb2]

that's a beautiful dirk.

[SteveR]

Nice find.

[rbminis]

Very nice!
Been looking for one of these for a while now.
Congrats!
Ralph.

[Stu W]

Very nice example and one I'm sure Thomas (Gunto) will be able to tell you all about as they fall within his area of expertise.

Regards,
Stu

[AZPhil]

Man that is a beauty!!!!
Semper Fi
Phil

[Gunto]

Thats is in great condition ,but missing a wire on the handle ( they often do). The sakura stamp with anchor is Toyokawa navy arsenal stamp and the N in diamond is unknown maker.
My guess of age is from 1926-1935.

[maximus71]

Thanks guys, yes gunto it is only missing a small part of lower grip wire from the cherry blossom down, barely noticable it is a very elegant piece in hand. I would love to find a period photo of one in wear.

[Gunto]

Here a cadet with dirk. Its difficult to find photos showing the hole dirk.

Last photo.
Number 5 from left is a dirk from same maker ,but it dosnt have the Toyokawa naval stamp.

[Stu W]

How many dirks does one collector really need? Just one more!

Great group you have there Thomas! Thanks for showing it.

Regards,
Stu