A friend of mine inherited this bird Tsuka sword. He has no history or understanding of the sword.   Attached are the pictures of the Tsuka only as the blade pictures would be disappointing (too fuzzy) to you all. I am assuming the mekugi peg is under the round brass decorative fitting on the side as pictured. Is that the actual peg or is this attached to the wood? Advice on removal? Should it pop off?   I believe they made these swords through Showa times. The polish is not great...lo