It seems to me this is indeed a sabre intended for a military officer, and the blade is perhaps older than the mounts as it has interesting deep fullering. The mounts are of course in Ottoman style and heavily silver clad. While not of perhaps of the highest quality, I am wondering if this work might be from a more remote region in the Ottoman influenced sphere. It would seem that if in more directly controlled area, such work would carry a hallmark.
What I think is most notable on the scabbard is the carry mounts, which are situated in the manner found on Caucasian shashkas. The device on the blade, while mindful of Ottoman tughra, appears to be intended in that sense, but not following typical convention.
It would be good to see this interesting inscribed cartouche translated, if nothing else to determine the language used. While I am not saying this sword is Russian, it reminds me of instances of 'trophy' blades mounted in their cultural sphere.
|