Tsuka Help

[JDub]

Is it possible to tell if this Tsuka and fittings are from the Edo period? What are key identifiers on Edo period Tsuka/fittings for Nihonto? 

[Dan tsuba]

Jason, hello and welcome to this great forum!

I don't know much about tsuka but it looks old to me!

The same (rayskin) looks yellowed and old.

The fittings also appear to be old and well crafted.

So my opinion it is more than likely Edo period.

Other members that know a heck of alot more than me will hopefully give you their opinions.

[JDub]

Thank you Dan. Appreciate your help. 
 

Jason 

[Dan tsuba]

Hey Jason,

The ito (the wrap around the tsuka) also appears old and well worn, but what happened to the menuki?

From the internet-

("menuki is a small decorative metal ornament tucked under the handle wrap (tsuka-ito) on a Japanese sword's hilt (tsuka). These pieces sit on opposite sides of the handle, improving your grip and adding art to the weapon.")

[JDub]

12 minutes ago, Dan tsuba said:

Hey Jason,

The ito (the wrap around the tsuka) also appears old and well worn, but what happened to the menuki?

From the internet-

("menuki is a small decorative metal ornament tucked under the handle wrap (tsuka-ito) on a Japanese sword's hilt (tsuka). These pieces sit on opposite sides of the handle, improving your grip and adding art to the weapon.")

These little gold coins under the wrapping are not Menuki? 

[Dan tsuba]

Oh yeah Jason,

Now I see the menuki!

I hope they are gold coins!

[JDub]

2 minutes ago, Dan tsuba said:

Oh yeah Jason,

Now I see the menuki!

I hope they are gold coins!

Would be nice if they were real gold LOL. But this is the first I’ve ever seen with coins used as Menuki. 

[kaze ryu]

I'm no expert, and I'm not sure if the previous comment was serious or a joke, but to me, that greenish grime and oxidation on the menuki looks like brass/copper corrosion rather than something you'd see on gold alloys.

[JDub]

2 minutes ago, kaze ryu said:

I'm no expert, and I'm not sure if the previous comment was serious or a joke, but to me, that greenish grime and oxidation on the menuki looks like brass/copper corrosion rather than something you'd see on gold alloys.

Yeah I seriously doubt it’s gold. You are right about it being brass or copper.