More Nakago-Ana and Sekigane fun

[Infinite_Wisdumb]

Interesting how this one is apparently setup for a boys sword?

What are the indentations above and below the nakago-ana for?

https://www.jauce.com/auction/m1176213553

 

[Geraint]

Dear.............

 

Or a tanto of course.  The punch marks are securing/concealing two soft metal plugs that have been inserted to fill holes drilled in the tsuba.  Sometimes tsuba were repurposed and a couple of screw holes drilled to fasten them to something.

 

Edit to add.  Hmm.  When I look at all the photographs on the listing I can't see any sign of the holes on the face of the tsuba and although invisible repairs are a possibility they certainly weren't for the person who did the work on the back so perhaps not screw holes but stopped holes for some other purpose.

 

All the best.

[Spartancrest]

Obvious it is crop circles - and hidden Christian symbols! 

 

[Geraint]

Welcome back Dale!   

 

All the best.