Katana Tang translation question

[zook]

Hi Guys -  

I am interested in a WW2 sword listed by a dealer, and he has posted several photos of the sword, including TANG.   It appears to be a WW2 era Showa (manufacture) -  I see what appears to be an arsenal marking,  but I can't make out any of the kanji.    Perhaps an arsenal mark and signature?   Can anyone offer any insights?     Some pics attached.  I appreciate any feedback or insights you can offer up.      Dan 

[Bruce Pennington]

OLD THREAD UPDATE

 

The smith was - 兼音 (Kaneoto)

KANEOTO (兼音), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Kaneoto” (兼音), real name Fujii Otoji (藤井音二), born 1921, he worked as a rikugun-jumei-tōshō, ryōkō no retsu (Akihide)

 

The stamp at the top is the larger Seki stamp of the Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association.  These usually aren't dated, but the stamp was in use from 1940 - 1944, with the massive majority of dated blades in 1942.  The civil organization was asked to inspect showato for quality.