Approximately 13" overall length with a delicate and ornate hilt, this dagger has a hardened edge, and brass trim. The horn hilt is inlaid with brass wire and brass dots. The butt is intricately grooved and filed, and has horn dot inlays. Workmanship is impeccable. The top of the guard is shaped like a stylized bird? The bottom of the guard is shield shaped. Blade thickness at the spine is about 7/32", and the blade has no markings.
Ebay story is that it was taken off a Japanese soldier (aren't they all?). Written in ink on the scabbard is "Japanise knive" and something unreadable.
I'm guessing pre WWII, but that's only a guess. Any ideas about time period and place of manufacture?
I love this dagger!
Steve
