Norman

thank you so much Bruce, that's a great help.

fantastic, thank you! While I'm at it, I understand this symbol may denote it was made during WWII? Again it's under the guard. Does anyone know more? It has the Imperial naval insignia on the other side (anchor in a cherry blossom)

here it is!

does anyone know the significance of the number stamped inside the rectangular cutout under the guard of an 1883 naval officer's dirk? I'm looking at one that has a 68/98, depending on how you view it. Any help would be most appreciated! I tried attaching a photo but it doesn't seem to wotk.