Chinese Maritime Customs dirk. The hilt consists of a white fish-skin grip bound with three gilt wires (?look more like copper). There is a dragon's-head pommel with prominent tang button, the scales of the dragon extending the length of the back-piece. The slightly inversed quillons have acorn finials. In the centre of the cross-piece, on the obverse is a badge - a foul anchor with a dragon across its centre - the badge of Chinese Maritime Customs. Blade is straight, with flat-back for two-thirds of its length, the last one-third of the blade having a double-edge and spear point. The cutting edge shows no sign of ever having been sharpened and is blunt. The scabbard is missing. Etched on the obverse is 'GIEVE, MATHEWS & SEAGROVE LTD. LONDON, PORTSMOUTH, DEVONPORT' (at the shoulder), above the Royal coat of arms and 'BY APPOINTMENT'; floral scrolls with acorns, badge of the Chinese Maritime Customs, floral scrolls, including acorns. The reverse is etched with floral scrolls and acorns, badge of the Chinese Maritime Customs, floral scrolls, with a plain panel included, and beneath 'Wilkinson, PALL MALL, LONDON.' The shoulder bears a Star of David which is a sort of proofmark. See also swords WPN1322 and WPN1422.