Help with Identifictaion

[duncan2502]

Hello, I have had another Shin Gunto come my way, I would again like your opinion on it as I do have some concerns, Apologies if my pictures are not up to scratch can take more if required. I am not sure if the Kamon is a later addition? The condition of the scabbard is great but maybe too nice and was thining that it may have been re-sprayed, another issue I have are the two holes drilled in the tang or the placement there of. Finally if you can help out with the translation of the makers signature that would all be a great help.

[Bruce Pennington]

I'm often wrong on the smiths, but it looks like 兼元 Kanemoto to me.  There were 3 in Sesko's list using this kanji, and 3 in the RJT list.  No date on the other side?

[duncan2502]

Hi Bruce,

 

Thanks for the maker information, there are no other marks

 

[When Necessary]

Gut feeling? It's been touched up at least.

The messy gold paint is a giveaway (see below) and that might suggest the scabbard is also a respray.
The kamon is a little larger than usual and something looks off to me with the tang's odd 'smoky black' patina.

But hey, I'm no expert on anything!

 

Good luck!

Dee