Translation Request

[Atlanta]

I had a friend who died in January. He had a very nice collection of WWII memorabilia. In it was a Japanese sword he had purchased years ago from a guy in his church who had been a U.S. Marine in WWII and had picked up the sword on Saipan. It has a tag. I bought it yesterday from his estate, having had my eye on it even before my friend passed.

I took photos of each side of the tang and of the tag then submitted them to ChatGPT and GROK for translation. Only ChatGPT offered a translation of the scripts on the tang, claiming it dates to the early-to-mid 1860. GROK had difficulty reading the script. Both offered translations of the tag, but differed radically. ChatGPT said it was a railway transportation tag. GROK said it was a surrender tag. This is my first sword. Any help translating these would be appreciated.

[Bugyotsuji]

兼忠 Kanetada

正和十七 Showa 17 it seems

[Nobody]

The tag shows the original owner's name and address.

大阪市西成区潮路通一□七 - Osaka-shi, Nishinariku, Shiojidori 1?7

小林直太郎 - Kobayashi Naotaro

 

[ROKUJURO]

Just to give it a try: On the tag I think I can read KOBAYASHI SABURO (?) plus probably an address. That might be something for our NIHONGO experts!

[Nobody]

1 hour ago, Bugyotsuji said:

兼忠 Kanetada

正和十七 Showa 17 it seems

 

It is a writing mistake.

昭和十七年 - Showa 17th year (1942).

 

正和 (Showa) period = 1312-1317

[Bugyotsuji]

Moriyama San, this getting old is no fun! Big oops!!!
Need to double-check and edit!!!

Many thanks.