Imperial German Navy dirk, the hilt of the dirk consists of a brass cross-guard. On the obverse and the reverse of the cross-guard, at the centre of the cross, contained within a rectangular panel is a foul anchor motif. The quillons are straight and have fluted swollen terminals. The number '85' is stamped on the underside of the guard. The brass pommel is made in the form of an octagonal Imperial crown, thought to be the crown of Charlemagne. It is made up of four large and four small panels. Any dirk knot or Port-epee once fitted is now missing. The polished white/yellow ivory grip has a spiral groove, which may have once contained gilt wire. The straight steel blade includes a diamond section with a central ridge running from the 28mm long shoulder to a uniform (spear) point. The brass scabbard is decorated with an 'ermine' pattern, with two brass bands in the form of rope, each with a ring and a button instead of a chape. The scabbard is lined with wood, which is secured in place by screws at the throat, which are now missing. Engraved on the reverse of the scabbard at the top is the name 'Kay', executed in the English round hand style. An All Highest Cabinet Order of the 13th September 1901 instructed German Naval Officers to wear dirks of the same pattern as those worn by Midshipmen. This dirk remained in service until 1919.