I too have a few tiny qualms about certain aspects mainly the velvet over the original scabbard timbers and a couple of other small points of interest.
It is most certainly not the first Shashka that I have seen with velvet though, some have been replacements as I know this one is, others have looked to have genuine age and wear of near 100 years. Although replaced it too does show good age and is expertly done and fitted, the entire folded and stitched seam to the rear sits within the grooved scabbard timber and is drawn very tight and follows the curves and rise to the throat perfectly.
Secondly the Shashka was mounted in European style when I received it, the central fittings only being placed "upside down" to the inside of the curve, the decoration on the throat and drag being originally as they are now. Although this style of mounting not unheard of as seen in Millers and other places, showing a number of Dagestan Shashkas being mounted in this manner, my immeadiate thoughts were that having the two suspension fittings like this meant it would be in sabre style and it would be mounted only to the right side of an individual for a left hander. Knowing the velvet is a 1960's replacement I though that perhaps the chap carrying out the task in Italy did not note how it came apart and put it back together in the European style.....
I spent well over an hours moving these fittings as they are super tight, milimetre by milimetre I moved each fitting with great effort to present them how I think they should really be. Of cource, if there is a genuine plausible explanation as to why they should be left in Europoean style I am all ears but generally speaking this sits better with me now.
I'll gather some images of the hilt and fittings side by side after I clean some of the highlights on the hilt. Currently the hilt looks darker where silver should shine, this will show the same workmanship throughout.
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Originally Posted by ariel
Third, the upper scabbard fitting is strange: half Kubachi, half plain silver ( Turkish fashion). I have a suspicion that the front panel with Kubachi work was cut off the original and attached to a new base.
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With regards to this, anything is possible in the world, when you compare the suspenion image to the throat image there is a difference to the finish but the drag is the same construction as the throat...perhaps the suspension fitting was finished in this manner of overlap to better support the sword, if it was not, the fitting may tear... Could you please present images or references about this statement for my further study on this sword for forward them by PM or email.
The hallmarks still fasinate me as does the script. There must be someone here who can read the script fully to place it in better context and likewise the hallmark. Ward has made a great start where I could not...any takers?
Thanks
Gav