Question Help with engraved old katana

[Tranch]

Hi, I have recently been gifted with an old katana. From the stories I got from the owner who gave it to me seems is from WWII, I've got the tsuka out and I found out that has an engraving and I would like to know what states on it.
Sorry for the quality of the picture the katana needs some restoration.

Thanks in advance!

 

[thomas]

H Tranch, welcome to the forum!

I have taken to liberty of attaching your image to your post.

 

[Tranch]

Thank you

 

[Toritoribe]

？？正真子福本兼宗
(The first two characters are illegible.)

The swordsmith is Fukumoto Kanemune, a smith in Seki who made swords for the Army during WWII.

 

[Tranch]

Thank you so much! I'll try to restore it and send a better picture!

 

[Majestic]

My guess is that the first two are 濃州 (Nōshū).

Well, 州 is certain, which means the first is almost 濃 by default.

 

[Toritoribe]

Ah, yes, the second kanji must be 州 in cursive script, so the first one indeed would be 濃.

 

[Tranch]

What Nōshō would mean in this context? Woul ot be referring to Mino Province - Wikipedia

Thanks in advance

 

[Majestic]

Yes, that's right.