German dirk. Hilt consists of a solid brass curved ribbed grip with back strap decorated with oak leaves; straight cross-guard with vertically placed disc finials and an embossed foul anchor on rectangular ground on each side at the cross; small oval shell guard embossed with foul anchor with small folding plate on reverse inscribed 'Ehler' and pierced to admit stud on top locket of scabbard. Number '5' is stamped on the underside of the guard. Blade is straight, single-edged with flat back and made of false damask (watered steel). There is a black leather scabbard with hammered brass mounts decorated with oak leaves, frog fitting. 'W.K & C' is inscribed on the shoulder of the blade, and '3' on reverse of top locket. Compare with description of Applicanten's Seitengwehr on p.155 of W.E. May and P.G.W. Annis, 'Swords for Sea Service' (London: H.M.S.O., 1970).