I’m trying to see if anyone can identify this signature, here’s what I know:
Japanese military sword (guntō), specifically consistent with an Army Type 98 shin-guntō. It was made in Seki, which was a major center for sword production.
Signature (mei)
The signature reads: 兼〇作 (Kane–? saku), meaning “Made by Kane[smith].”
The exact smith’s name is unclear due to wear, but it belongs to a large group of Seki swordsmiths who used the character “兼 (Kane).”
Stamp
The blade has the 関 (Seki) stamp. This indicates it was factory or semi-traditionally produced and was inspected by the government during wartime.
Age / Year
Based on the stamp, fittings (Type 98), and the style of the signature, the sword was made during World War II, most likely between 1935 and 1945. A more typical production range would be around 1940–1944.
