raynor

Thanks Steven, I figured that out eventually. I am quite enjoying it, these ebay photos don't give the inlay justice. I'll put some new up when I can. Thank you for the welcome Jean, I have not taken a magnet to the tsuba but very well might when back home. However I'm 99% sure it is iron. So apparently the exposed inlay metal is copper? It's made to look more colorful then wrought or polished copper items I've seen before. I have seen detailed copper inlay used on sword scabbards before but not with a organic leaf like coloration like here. I had no idea they used copper base under silver and gold if that is the case, but makes sense regarding material costs. I wonder how it could all come off without seemingly damaging the rest of the piece

Thanks Vajo. Will do when back home. I did not even know there was another missing layer to the inlay, silver and gold no less. From a collecting/value point I recon this is not a good thing? I am impressed Mauro is able to make a guess at the school even with no signature etc. I still enjoy the piece even if it has lost its former glory past just passing of time, I had no idea this is apparently a tsuba of some quality. Would you say it's decent enough that I take it to someone with an actual idea to get it examined or even papered? I mainly wanted an original appealing piece that was not a modern copy or low quality alloy piece.

Hi Stephen. There are one place I'm sure and another I can't tell if any of the inlay has been lost, see photo. Are you referring to something else? As for the material it is difficult to pin down if it looks more bronze or gold to my eyes. Skakudo is the gold and copper alloy right? The inlay has a almost a organic autumn leaf color if that helps? Love how it looks in natural sunlight. I'm out of town til around Halloween then I'll be able to put up photos not quite this bad, these are all from the ebay auction. At 1 even my untrained eyes can tell a tip of grass is gone. At 2 I'm not sure if something is gone that was attached, the round metal encircled does not look like a fresh break point, maybe just the shape of the big leaf's left top is putting me off. At 3 I think a flower is somewhat eroded or banged (battle damage? ) but I am honestly just guessing here. Certainly looks like this thing was used Anything else anyone can tell me is welcome, tiny bit of metal but seemingly with a bit of a history. edit Now I think I get what you mean. I honestly cant tell if it was cleaned too well beforehand, I'm afraid I yet can not tell a horrible shakudo patina from an excellent one, complete novice. If something is seriously wrong with it I dont mind too much. I got it for very cheap and can admire the work as it is, but as mentioned, I'm thirsty for any information people are willing to share.

Hi Mauro, Thanks for the information. I'm very new to this, I come from Chinese martial arts background and am just learning about the Japanese swords after falling in love when studying how they were made and used compared to Chinese versions. When I saw the metal inlay I knew I wanted to grab this tsuba. Just curious, how did you know or find that information? Trying to learn

Greetings all, new on the board and looking forward so bask and soak in people's knowledge! I wonder if anyone can tell (or guess) anything about this tsuba? It's iron, supposedly pre 1800. Leaves has a nice autumn look. About 2.6 inches/6.7cm wide, 2.8inches/7.2cm tall with no signature.