Tough One to Translate

[Edward G]

Good morning to all:   

I have a friend who recently obtained a sword with a grass signature.  It is very difficult to translate.  I am hoping that someone can tell me what the inscription on the Katana says.  

Many thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

Edward G

[SteveM]

豊後囗囗住国茂作

Bungo something-jū Kunishige saku

 

The middle two might be 鍛治, but I'm not sure. 

[Edward G]

Thank You Steve M.  Anyone else have any thoughts on the middle two characters thatt Steve could not identify?   Hamon is crab claw choji, cutting edge measures 24 3/4” any information on the smith would be appreciated  Sorry, I do not have any pictures of the blade.

 

Thanks

 

Edward G

[k morita]

Hi,

The mei says  豊後鶴崎住国茂作　(Bungo  Tsurusaki-ju Kunishige saku).

[Edward G]

Thank you Morita you have come to my rescue again! 

 

Edward G