Ww2 Shin-Gunto Identifying A Mei

[riverdive]

Hi, I just purchased this Shin-Gunto and am having the darnest time trying to figure out the maker. I was first told it said "Fish Celebration"...NOT... and since I have found " Kanetsugu Maekawa. born in 1904 and died in 1951. He worked in Seki. The sword is dated 1943 with I believe a Seki stamp, though hard to see. Looking for some comformation that it is KM.

 

I thank you for Any help from you pros can give and would be greatly appreciate, Tom

 

[Stephen]

more kanji than the two?

 

all i see is Kanetsugu with a seki stamp, not traditional forged blade.

[SwordGuyJoe]

You're correct. Maekawa Kanetsugu.

[riverdive]

Thank you Joe, I know it was not traditionally made based on the Seki Arsenal mark. It is a bit mystifying, how both Stephen and you see (2) different views. I found a post on Nihonto MB. This sword smith is 

Maegawa Kanetsugu... Last picture, it has the same (2) Kanji as mine, can anyone confirm the dilemma?

 

Thank you

[Stephen]

I see the Maegawa Kanetsugu in your link but only Kanetsugu on yours, so Joey must be ass u me its same smith

[Stephen]

 

 

 

the first two kanji are whats missing from yours

[Stephen]

KANETSUGU (兼継), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kanetsugu” (兼継), real name Maekawa Gen´ichi (前川源一), born January 15th 1904, he worked as guntō smith and died March 9th 1951

KANETSUGU (兼継), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kanetsugu” (兼継), real name Maekawa Yoshiki (前川喜儀), born March 5th 1913, he worked as guntō smith and died September 9th 1964

[SwordGuyJoe]

It's the same smith... no assumptions here ???? He was the only seki smith to sign with these kanji. He likely spent some time in the Nihonto denshujo while Shigetsugu was an instructor based on the same "継" character, but I'm speculating there.