It has been some years since research on these interesting Afghan military sabers, and images of my example, dated 1896 are attached. The stamped marking on the blade represents the Mosque at Mazir i Sharif, and we now now this was used as an Afghan state emblem.
I acquired this back in the 90s when quite frankly these were relatively unknown in the community, and often descriptions of them were pretty entertaining, one observer claiming the mark was 'the pillars of Hercules' and another said it was a Greek cutlass!
As more of these became known, it was found that this state seal stamp was on the blades of many, and while the European style hilt remained consistent, many had the tribal 'Khyber knife' (salawar) blades. ...but with the same stamp.
This suggested it must have been an 'arsenal' or government property type markings.
While clearly the Mashin Khana was not in full production mode until into the mid to latter 1880s, it remained a viable center for arms being issued so possibly weapons being assembled and produced there may have led to use of the stamp.
These and the Khyber knife examples are thought to have been provided for the tribal levys working with the British Army in Afghan regions as police forces.
The Mashin Khana factory was situated in Kabul, and in this area there were other native armorers working, possibly in accord with the factory. In discussions with sources some time ago, I was told of the lion head stamp seen on the locks of Snider-Enfield muskets, and it was thought there was an arms shop named 'lions gate' or to that effect. While I do not have images of this mark nor example, it seemed worthy of note that along with Mashin Khana, other shops were also involved in distribution of arms.
Maybe someone else out there has a weapon with a lions head stamp.
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