This is a particularly enchanting iron sukashi Higo Nishigaki school tsuba. This is accompanied by a NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho paper from 1969. Tokubetsu Kicho was the highest rank below Juyo at that time. This 56 year-old paper should be carefully preserved and as an important record in the history of this guard and study of Higo fittings. The iron is quite high-quality. The surface has a wet luster and the patina has a deep brown-blackish color. A delight to recommend. Great condition, boxed and papered.