Q873. Iron tsuba. 8 x 8.7 x .5 cm at the raised rim. The nakago hitsu-ana is .8 x 2.7 cm. This is signed on a copper plate that is set into the seppa-dai, something kawa Naomasa. I asked on Nihonto Message Board and Ishikawa, Arikawa, and Zaikawa were given as possibles. The plate has been beautifully carved and extensively inlaid with gold, silver, and shakudo. Looks to be a child and an old man; sure to be a Japanese folk tale but no idea which. The 2 ryo-hitsu have been plugged with shakudo.

The more I look at this tsuba the more I find that impresses me. It is a keeper (except I’m selling it; go figure). Excellent condition. $695.