Yannis,
This is most definitely a Khevsur straight sabre, from these tribal people high in Caucusus in Georgia. The hilt form, niello etc. is typically Khevsur and most often these blades are trade blades or Chechen. The swords are actually quite rare despite most being relatively recent from latter part of 19th century.
This is truly a beautiful example Yannis! and I agree, extremely well done!!
An excellent resource for data on these, aside from the book by Astvatsaturjian on Caucasian weapons and in Russian text, is Iaroslav Lebedynsky's "Les Armes Cosaques et Caucasiennes" published in French, where Khevsur warriors are seen wearing these as well as chain mail armor in latter 19th c. They are known to have been using these well into the 20th century.
All the best,
Jim
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