Politely requesting assistance translating/identification of my sword

[USMCSlinky]

I've had this sword for a while and have tried to learn more about it.  I'm very new to the group but eager to learn. 

 

Thank you in advance for the assistance 😊

[Nobody]

兼継作 - Kanetsugu made

昭和十六年 - Showa 16th year (1941)

[USMCSlinky]

Thank you so much!

[b.hennick]

Your sword also has a Seki arsenal stamp which indicates that it was not traditionally made. 

[USMCSlinky]

I noticed that, sadly,  I've spent the last few hours reading. This place is amazing. I'm very grateful!

[Bruce Pennington]

Like to see a couple of pics of the hamon, though, Richard.  I've grown to believe the large Seki stamp went on nice quality non-traditonal blades.  Also a full pic of the gunto mounted up, would be nice.

[Peter Bleed]

Looks like a nice early version that may feature prototypical elements. Please show us the whole rig.

Peter

[cisco-san]

On 7/7/2021 at 3:31 AM, USMCSlinky said:

I noticed that, sadly,  I've spent the last few hours reading. This place is amazing. I'm very grateful!

Richard,

 

I guess you blade has been made from one of these two smith (form Markus book):

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