A very high quality example of a Central Asian 'Shashka'.
Overall this piece measures a little over 101cms in the scabbard and 97cms long out with a 83cms long blade when measured in a straight line.
The hilt is of bone slabs secured with three rivets, an iron bolster and upper and lower simple grip straps.
The blade is of unusually high quality, it shows a two step block forte, a lovely rounded spine up to where the deeply carved fullers end, from there is narrows to form a false edge that tapers down to the central medial ridge at the tip. The cutting edge is still razor sharp and the blade reamins in its original high polish.
The fine scabbard with thick silver fittings is entirely covered in floral and tree like motifs, the throat and upper suspension fittings have a thick rope like border to their top as does the base of the upper suspension lug.
Although now worn with age and use, the velvet appears to be the origianal blue since new.
Similar in style and fitting styles to Gallery Inventory s169, it should be noted that s169 has a longer bolster, no grip straps and different rivet configuration to the hilt. S169 is also worn in 'Sabre' style whilst this example is worn in 'Shashka' style. Similar swords from the Central Asian areas though distinctly different.
A very rare example of a seldom seen sword type.
Pending further research.
Please note, all items with the Gallery page are examples from my personal collections. These items are not currently offered for sale but are sometimes released to the For Sale page as tastes and items vary.
