J00255 (IJN) OFFICER'S DIRK. A modified 1883 pattern Naval dirk, for commissioned officers, which was already a modification of a pattern introduced in 1873. This pattern was in common usage between 1904 and 1945. To the top of the wooden hilt (Tsuka) is a gilt-finished brass domed pommel (Kabuto-gane), decorated with a cherry blossom motif. Its tapering, simulated white ray skin (Samé) grip is wrapped with wire binding, and has brass cherry blossoms (Sakura) fixed to either side which conceal its retaining screws. The grip wrapping is lightly soiled, and has shrunken and separated along its vertical seam line on one side. A gilded brass ferrule (Fuchi) is to the base of the grip, which has small punch-holes to it resembling fish roe (Nanako). Its short, plain brass cross guard (Tsuba) has arms angled at opposing directions, and has ornamented washers (Seppa) both above and below it. The lower washer has a perforation to it which passes through the cross guard, for the push-button catch on the scabbard. To one side of the underside of the cross guard is stamped a symbol which has been associated with the Kokura arsenal, and to its other side is impressed an anchor within a cherry blossom, which was the inspection/acceptance stamp used by the Toyokawa arsenal. All of the brass fittings are lightly age darkened. Its 8 3/8" (measured from the point (Kissaki) to the back notch (Mune-machi)), single-edged, brightly finished and subtly fullered blade has a 5/8" deep, copper-colored collar (Hakabi) to it, with the typical "cat scratches." The unmarked blade has light scabbard runner marks and surface spotting to it. The 11 1/4", wooden, dark ray skin bound scabbard (Saya) has a gilded brass mount to its throat (Kuchi-gane) and drag (Isizuke), both decorated with cherry blossom motifs. To either side of the throat are gilded brass suspension rings (Obi-tori). To one side is the push-button for the catch which may be seen protruding above its throat. One of the two retaining screws for its drag is absent. Age darkening and soiling is evident to the brass fittings, and its ray skin covering has light but noticeable wear along it, as well as some seam separation.

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