Ww Ii Sword Translation

[sksguide]

Please trandslate the signature and tang mark above signature. Fuller and Gregory  ( Military swords of Japan...) say the tang mark is Tan or Kitau stamp meaning 'to forge' or 'forged' and probably used  to indicate a hand forged blade  (pg 82 item iii). Please confirm and I request identification of signature and what it may mean. Thank you. Roger F.

[uwe]

"Sato Kanesumi saku" (佐藤兼住作), I assume!

[sksguide]

Thank you ever so much, Uwe Sackowski. I really appreciate and such a prompt reply. The little I have read about this smith does not make reference to his swords being 'hand forged' as shown by the 'tan' stamp on the tang. I assume being hand forged makes for a better blade and is more collectible. As hand forged would it be early in WW II and more likely an order from a solider? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Roger F.

[Brian]

Interesting stamp. Not sure if we have covered this one before. I am assuming we have somewhere.
Worth adding here though: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/5999-arsenal-stamps/

[Stephen]

Looks like Tan stamp.

 

http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/military.htm

RH column