T409.  Namban, East Asian, or maybe even Japanese (what do I know?) iron sukashi tsuba.  6.7 x 7.2 x .42 cm.  The nakago hitsu-ana is .8 x 2.7 cm (wider at the middle).  This one is a bit of a puzzler for me: the design is typical of what usually gets classed as Namban but the iron and its patina are much finer than what I normally see on Namban.  The carved rim also makes me look to Japan.  But the nakago hitsu-ana definitely was made to accomodate some sword that is not Japanese.  Oh well…  I’ll let you figure it out.

Condition is excellent.  $225.