Stud is a stand
			 
			 
			
		
		
		
			
			Just had a strike of insight on the stud which nobody wants to pass opinion on (Not even Rawson, who does mention it). 
 It might be there just to let the sword stand upright on the back of its blade. 
The photo seems to give it the right appearance/angle for that use. 
Cheers 
Andy
		 
		
		
		
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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