Measuring 403 mm, with the scabbard on, this dagger features a 227 mm nickel-plated steel blade, magnetic, with a sharp edge, blade spine, along with fullers on both sides, with a very sharp tip. The blade exhibits scratches overall, common to extraction and return to the scabbard, in addition to chips in the sharpened edge and scattered flaking and surface wear throughout, exhibiting a natural shine, the tip having been bent back slightly. It incorporates a brass washer, with all the accompanying fittings also in brass, the crossguard marked with the Imperial Japanese naval ordnance stamp with a cherry blossom (sakura flower) bearing an anchor, along with an inspector's mark, the ferrule with a recessed pebbled surface. The simulated ray skin used in the handle is the late war plastic issue, encased in ten rows of tightly wrapped brass wire, with a crack running the length of the handle, a brass cherry blossom on both sides of the handle, the pommel bearing a large cherry blossom on the end with leafing on the sides, the dagger measuring 335 mm in length overall. The metal scabbard is finished in black, the chape and locket in brass and designed with cherry blossoms and leafing. The locket has a push release for the dagger, with large dagger hanger rings on either side and is loose versus the body of the scabbard. The inside of the throat is balsa wood-lined. There is a large dent near the tip of the finial on one side, with scattered chipping in the black finish on the body, the scabbard measuring 287 mm in length. Dagger exhibits outstanding workmanship. Fine. (C:14)