Stunning Early First Pattern Meiji Period Japanese Naval Dirk, Blade Temper Line

Description

Early pattern imperial Japanese naval Dirk. there isn't a lot of information on this early first pattern probably made during the Meiji Period When Japan was beginning to take on Western style military uniforms and weapons. The dirk is in amazing condition. It looks like it was wrapped in a silk scarf and put at the bottom of a cedar chest for a hundred years. The blade is pristine with an awesome temper line present. The  ray skin, over wood, on the scabbard is 100%. The handle of the of the dirk is beautiful shark  skin with a wire wrap, all the wire is present. I don't clean buff polish wax or mess with anything. this is as I found it many years ago at an estate auction in South Dakota.  It appears that there may have been a small brass brad in the scabbard towards the top that probably helped attach brass fretwork in place. See photos.  The release holds the blade securely in the scabbard and works very smoothly keeping the blade tight. I really don't think that you could probably upgrade from this blade. Please study the photos ask questions if you need more pictures let me know. You guaranteed all the original, no reserve.