Help needed to identify signature

[Swordjoe]

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.

[Nobody]

□ 一文字 – Something + Ichimonji

 

I am unsure about the first kanji. And there might be one more character erased just after the first kanji.

The signature does not include 兼〇作 (Kane–? saku).

[Bugyotsuji]

The nakago shots are all upside down.

(The end of the nakago tang should point towards you.)

天秀?

遠藤?

 

 

[Joseph P.]

It is possible the signature may read "Endo Ichimonji".

[Bugyotsuji]

Swordjoe, (you forgot to add your real name) you have just downgraded me for suggesting 遠藤 Endo above.

[Swordjoe]

Apologies Bugyotsuji, getting used to the system, same in error

[Bruce Pennington]

Hi Dave,

Here is your guy:

"ICHINONJI (一文字), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Ichimonji” (一文字), real name Endō Masayuki (遠藤公之), born October 23rd 1890, he worked as a guntō smith."

 

The stamp is the Showa stamp, used by the civilian Seki Cutlery Manufacturers Association between 1935 and 1942.  Most dated blades with the stamp were made in 1940-41.