Antique Japanese Samurai Used Iron Tsuba Sword wood grain w/ Golden dew inlay

This is an antique Japanese Edo period (c.1596 - 1868) tsuba (handguard) for a Katana or Wakazashi. This tsuba is made with typical forged steel and is in the shape of a mokogata. The surface of both sides is a wood grain pattern with "dew drop" golden inlay. This tsuba shows some wear from use. The wear has smoothed down the sides of the tsuba where it rubbed up against the obi belt from daily wear so the different qualities of steel used to make the tsuba can be seen.

A beautiful example of samurai craftsmanship. It measures about 3.5" (9 cm) in diameter.  1/4" (.4cm) thick. Having been lovingly and carefully displayed by 3 generations of collectors, it remains in fine condition.