Old Katana, or is it?

[IanS]

Had another look at the puzzling menuki and having looked more closely, it seems there are two sets of clenched claws/toes, under what could be described as the neck or crop of a crane.
In the circumstances, I'm going to accept Patrick's explanation. Surpmil will have to forgive me unless of course, he agrees too.

I'm glad I asked for help as I can now continue wrapping the tsuka.

Ian