T535. Iron mokume tsuba. 5.9 x 6.5 x .7 cm. The nakago hitsu-ana is .8 x 2.8 cm. This tsuba was made by a swordsmith; it is signed Iga no Kami Kinmichi, Nippon Kaji Munechika, and dated Horyaku Hachi Ju Ni Hi (the 12th day of January, 1758). This is unusually thick and with tekkotsu on the rim. There is corrosion on the plate; vigorous boning should improve the surface but probably won’t get it back to perfect.

But, signed swordsmith tsuba are quite rare. Here’s a chance to own one at a reasonable price. $325