Greetings all,
I am researching this nihonto and a couple of questions have come up. This is a very nice nihonto with a nice hamon but is it oil tempered or traditional? I simply do not have the expertise to figure that one out. It has what I believe is a Showa era stamp on the upper tang. I have read that these stamps could well mean it is a factory made weapon? It obviously does not appear to be a military issue weapon although the tsuba is certainly of the Shin guntō design. Could someone please translate the signature? The lower side of the tang looks to have once had a painted symbol on it but only a remnant remains. Thanks in advance for your time.
The very best!

Click to enlarge the picture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attached Images