Is this Part of a Sword (Katana)

[Dave N Japan]

Found this awhile back and did not think much about it till I got to thinking about what it was and where it came from...I'm starting to think it is a MENUKI The part from under the wrapping on the grip of a Katana (Samurai sword) I have looked for one that looks the same, but no luck so far...any experts out there that may help me.. I have found two other parts of a sword over the years the SEPPA part that gos on both sides of the TSUBA (Hand Guard)
Anyway help would be great..I will also try and find someone to write to get an answer..
PS: As I can see now there was gold gilt over the tree at one time, just like most Menuki!!
Thanks

 

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[Dave N Japan]

Here is a picture of one I found on the net!

 

[Dave N Japan]

Example

Another example

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Really cool Find Dave. It looks like a MENUKI , I am trying to pinpoint what kind it is...Lotus flower ,bonsai,not pepper...will get back to you

 

[dg39]

I have two sam swords on display in the Pacific war exhibit. Haven't ever taken them apart. They are old and originals brought back. I think you are on the right track. I am not at the museum, so cant look.

 

[dg39]

Not going to the place till Tuesday. I'm just going to sit on the veranda and watch the swans on the front pond and sip my mint julep. Watch the field hands tend the cotton...Life is good!

 

[Dave N Japan]

Thanks everyone, Gypsy!! It is always nice to come here for help!

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Dave
Can you tell me how big it is?
I found the reverse side of a MENUKI and it looks a bit different.....but then I compared it to the Butt plate on the end of the hilt and its a pretty good match

 

[Dave N Japan]

Gypsy , it is right at 4cm long and 1.5 cm hight by the plate....I'm think that there must of been many type of these. Only thing I see that makes me wonder is the plate behind, The tree is hollow and then attached to the brass or copper plate,
With hundreds of years of these being made..there could of been a time when there was a plate behind the design.
anyway, thanks again!

Here is a website about Okinawa History, just in case anyone wants to read a little...Okinawa or Lew Chew has its own history from japan or chinathat goes back about 30,000 years...
http://rca.open.ed.jp/web_e/history/story/hisindex1.html

 

[Gypsy Heart]

When I look at your reverse side of the MENUKI, it looks like it has been mounted to a plate that would be a button lock...notice the little tab...so even tho I think the top peice is a MENUKI, it seems it has been altered to be something that would lock or snap into something else....like those old belt plates....hmmmm...but at just over an inch long it isnt likely that it was a belt....maybe a closure for a pouch or purse ...hmmmm still thinking...

 

[cryptodave]

I thought it looked like a piece to a belt buckle personally, or maybe some kind of interchangeable jewelry... Of course I like the purse idea that gyp brought up.