Hi there,
I hate to ask for help so soon to signing up but I hope that this is the beginning of a long journey that will result in me being able to contribute back to this awesome forum.

A katana blade is being sold at the antique auction house I frequent in two days and I was hoping somebody could help me with identifying whether it is a knockoff or authentic and translating the engraving. It would be even more help if you could give me a very rough idea to the value of this piece but I understand if that values are not talked about in this forum.

As a Japanese kitchen knife enthusiast and hobby knife maker I was drawn to this piece and now I am hungry to learn more about it and Nihonto.

There is no information provided but I was lucky enough to be allowed to take it out of the shirasaya for some photos.
Here is a link to the photos and a rubbing of the engraving.

Katana by esber_88 | Photobucket

Thanks for any help or comment you can contribute.
Kind regards,
Jungle