C251.  Iron, early, armor maker’s tsuba.  8.5 x 8.6 x .4 cm on the raised rim (.3 cm on the plate).  The nakago hitsu-ana is 1 x 3 cm.  This is an impressive tsuba; it has great presence.  It has, also, excellent iron with ample tekkotsu on the rim.  Ubu (unaltered); no ryo-hitsu has been added.  Earliest Edo or maybe even before, according to the consignor; I see no reason to disagree.  Perfect condition with a wonderful patina.  Comes with a box & pillow.  $600.