HELP SWORDSMITH AND MARKS

[IBERIAN]

Greetings to all.

I bought this katana. Showato. WWII period but I have no data on this swordsmith.
The seller indicates that it is FUKUMOTO KANEMUNE and the material tamahagane.
I think there is hamon line but I can't see it well.
On one side of the tang is the signature. There is a marking on the other side of the tang. 
I think the mark is an inspection check, but I'm not sure.
If anyone can give me details of the craftsman and the mark I would appreciat

Thank you for your help.

A greeting.

Jose.

[John C]

Jose:

The black mark on the tang is the number 8 (hachi); an "assembly" number. The fittings look like the type carried by Gunzoku, civilians working for the military. Are there any marks above the signature closer to the habaki?

 

John C.

[IBERIAN]

Hello John ,
Thanks for your help.
There is no mark above the signature. 
I too thought it might carry arsenal mark but it does not.
Please John, can you confirm translation of signature on the tang, ¿FUKUMOTO KANEMUNE?.

Jose.

[mecox]

Jose,  the mei reads Fukumoto Kanemune  福本 兼宗　with some variation in cutting style.  He was a major swordsmith in the Amahide workshop of Seki and it appears the mei could be cut by different people.  As noted this is in koshirae for civilian use.

In NMB Downloads his background and examples:

 

 

[IBERIAN]

Hello Mal,
Thank you very much.

Jose.

[Bruce Pennington]

Iberian,

Can you post a shot showing the tsuba style, the whole face, or an angle showing the design?  Thanks!

[IBERIAN]

Hello Bruce,

As indicated to me, I concur. In Civil Montage.

Jose.

[Bruce Pennington]

I know I have seen another gunto with that same style tsuba.  Wish I knew when and where.  I'm saving that as a possible variation of the Gunzoku tsuba used when retrofitting swords for them.  Might not be.  Might simply be a civilian tsuba.