Genuine antique iron Japanese sword guard TSUBA w/signature & gold inlaid mark, Edo period, 1603-1868 AD; Tasteful, high quality old iron tsuba, for katana or wakizashi, with running script signature and gold inlaid mark, made by a great master. SIZE: 59 x 55 mm; Nakago-ana (opening for blade): 24.5 mm x 7 mm Kozuka-ana (opening for knife): 15 mm x 8 mm Kogai-ana (opening for pin): 14 mm x 8 mm; Sekigane: remnants of soft metal are visible around nakago-ana (proof of authenticity);p Weight: 2.82 oz. = 80.50 g; CONDITION: Good considering the age of 200-300 years. AGE: Over 200 years ago, in the middle Edo Period. Authenticity: Genuine antique, NOT a reproduction. MATERIAL: Iron, gold; TYPE: Sword guard TSUBA suitable for a middle length sword WAKIZASHI Provenance: Private collection in Japan. REFERENCES: The Kozuka is a short knife attached to a Japanese sword. It is a short blade in and of itself, as well as often being attached to the scabbard of longer katana, such as the uchigatana. In general, the kozuka was used for purposes such as whittling wood, cutting fruit, or other small tasks in the daily life of a samurai, but in an emergency could also be used as a hand weapon or projectile. As with other ornamented swords, the kozuka also came to be an object of fine craftsmanship, raising its artistic value much like with the kogai, which was also attached to a sword's scabbard. The Kogai is a decorative tool used for tying and pinning hair. It was an indispensable daily accessory for ladies as well as for samurai, allowing the scalp to be scratched without loosening or ruining a carefully-prepared hairdo. As one of the three attachments for a sword (the mitokoromono: kozuka, kogai and menuki), the kogai was attached to the scabbard in the same way as the kozuka (a small knife inserted into the scabbard) and carried along with the sword. It held an important role as an everyday item for samurai. ⑦Sekigane (責金) A soft metal such as copper is fitted into the inside of the top and bottom of the Nakago-Hitsu. Sekigane is used to attach the Tsuba to the blade without looseness. So that Sekigane has a crucial role as a cushioning material. Especially an iron Tsuba, since it is the same iron material as the sword, it was essential to use a different metal material to prevent damaging the blade. https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/episode-1-the-charms-of-tsuba/