Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Philip · 28th October 2006, 05:53 AM

No, I don't think this is a "janissary sword". The hilt form is a classic Caucasian-style shashka. The plain horn is a simple type used by the commoners, not the chieftains. Also, this style of plain horn grip was officially adopted by the Russians on their "Caucasian pattern" enlisted man's shashka, Model 1904 (see Eugene Mollo, RUSSIAN MILITARY SWORDS 1801-1917, London: Historical Research Unit 1969, p. 39, also see A. N. Kulinsky, RUSSKOYE KHOLODNOYE ORUZHIYE: VOENNYKH, MORSKICH, I GRAZHDANSKICH CHINOV, 1800-1917g, St Petersburg, Magik Press 1994, pp 88-89).

However, the blade on this example doesn't match the 1904 regulation. It appears to be a military saber blade of common type from some Western country. Without dimensions and notes on markings, it's difficult to place it in terms of country or unit. From its style it looks 19th cent, thru early 20th. The slender profile, broad fuller, and prominent ricasso are key identifying characteristics as European/British/American, factory made of common military style.

28th October 2006, 05:53 AM	#3
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	looks like a shaskha to me... No, I don't think this is a "janissary sword". The hilt form is a classic Caucasian-style shashka. The plain horn is a simple type used by the commoners, not the chieftains. Also, this style of plain horn grip was officially adopted by the Russians on their "Caucasian pattern" enlisted man's shashka, Model 1904 (see Eugene Mollo, RUSSIAN MILITARY SWORDS 1801-1917, London: Historical Research Unit 1969, p. 39, also see A. N. Kulinsky, RUSSKOYE KHOLODNOYE ORUZHIYE: VOENNYKH, MORSKICH, I GRAZHDANSKICH CHINOV, 1800-1917g, St Petersburg, Magik Press 1994, pp 88-89). However, the blade on this example doesn't match the 1904 regulation. It appears to be a military saber blade of common type from some Western country. Without dimensions and notes on markings, it's difficult to place it in terms of country or unit. From its style it looks 19th cent, thru early 20th. The slender profile, broad fuller, and prominent ricasso are key identifying characteristics as European/British/American, factory made of common military style.