Dragon theme tsuba

[roger dundas]

Currently on a WW11 katana with civilian hilt fittings but hilt destroyed by bullet damage, and later replaced in Japan. Replaced fittigs look to my eyes to be later reproductions but seppa are antique , solid silver habaki is original and I presume the tsuba (this one) is original;

BUSHU JU     MASA ?NAO.     I know nothing of this maker or period-  would anyone be interested in commenting ?

Thank you,    Roger j

[kyushukairu]

Quite a nice design. To me, the mei looks like “Bushū jū Masatsune” (武州住正恒) 

 

[roger dundas]

Thank you and 'much obliged' Kyle.

Roger j

[Stephen]

Love it, thank God there wasn't a hole cut in it for gunto latch.

[roger dundas]

Those holes cut for a Gunto latch have a lot to answer for- many a good tsuba disfigured I'll bet.

Roger j