This appears to be as noted, a reasonably modern interpretation of 'shashka' of the type used in Mingrelian regions of Georgia in the Caucusus. These straight blade 'pallasches' in the 19th century were often with a distinctive skirted scabbard which attached from the scabbard throat.
The hilt reflects the characteristic pommel and ribbed, wired central grip area. It is a beautifully crafted example, quite possibly produced by craftsmen in Tblisi who are still producing amazing swords.
The history behind these Caucasian weapons is fascinating, and tremendously complex as of course is the history of these regions and thier people. While shashkas are of course typically with curved sabre blades, weapons in Georgian regions often were straight bladed, as with examples of the Khevsur duelling swords known as pranguli. These swords' blades typically had the radiused 'hatchet' tip as seen on these pallasches.
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