Need Help Identifying This Tantō

[dana_w]

Ok, but

Originally Posted by dana_w

Is there anyway to put a production date on the officers naval dirk?

[laEspadaAncha]

To be honest, that's a good question, Dana... As I understand it, this pattern is still issued in the Japanese navy to this day.

With some Japanese military-pattern edged weapons (e.g., Type 30 bayonets and Type 95 NCO swords), arsenal marks, serial numbers, and/or acceptance stamps can sometimes be used to narrow down a date range with varying degrees of success. There should be arsenal marks or acceptance stamps on the crossguard of your dirk.

Another clue may be found in the same grips. Is the grip of your exmaple made with real or synthetic same? If synthetic, it dates to late-WWII or later.

[dana_w]

Hello laEspadaAncha,

Here is a photo of a mark on the crossguard made with my cell phone.

Is there anything to look for that would tell if the grip is synthetic or real?

[trenchwarfare]

The same looks to be authentic. The maker mark is that of Suya Co. Overall, this dirk is of very good quality, and possibly pre WWII.

[pbleed]

There are two blades here.
The Navy Dagger is absolutely a piece of WWII era Japanese militaria.
The other blade is absolutely Modern Chinese production. Your father wasted his money. It will be hundreds of years before this has collectors' value.
Peter Bleed

[dana_w]

Thanks trenchwarfare, I'll see if I can find some information on the Suya Company..... Ok found something "Suya Shōten Co. Ltd with To inspection stamp". Time to do some more reading.

pbleed, You must be psychic to say that my father "wasted his money". What do you think he paid?

In any case, I would enjoy seeing a picture of your WWII era Navy Dagger for comparison.

[David]

Peter, your offer of sale has been deleted. Please re-read the forum rules on this.
I might also add that your additional comment on money wasted and collector value seems to have little value itself. I recommend a more constructive approach.