This is a most interesting example of variations of 'Anglo-Afghan' type arms which evolved in Afghan armies after the 2nd Anglo-Afghan war (Treaty of Gandamak, 30 May, 1879). While the Afghans had been developing a degree of 'westernization' in their armies with British subsidy much earlier, the Russians in the beginnings of the 'Great Game' were also trying to effect diplomatic relations there.
With this confluence, numbers of arms from these countries began coming in, and this influx of course continued well into the 20th century (obviously these conditions prevail into present times).
Amir Abdur Rahman Khan after the 1879 treaty became the de facto ruler under British suzerains, and with their subsidies continued industrial advance, in 1887 establishing the Mashin Khana arsenal in Kabul. Under British advisors the production of arms took place here, mostly with firearms but certainly including edged weapons in degree.
Most commonly seen are the Afghan swords sometimes termed 'regulation' types for the Afghan army, most of which seem to have been produced in the 1890s. These have characteristic pierced sheet steel knuckleguards with parallel openings (resembling typical guards on a number of European forms and British). At the top are also the complex 'swans neck' terminals next to the pommel. (see attached)
In the case of the posted example here, the pommel has an interesting cleft feature, which I would attribute to the forementioned Russian influences. It is worthy of note that a number of shashka like swords are present in Afghan context.
This blade is of a form known as 'quill point' well established in Germany early 19th c and often present on British cavalry sabres. It continued in German use well through the 19th c.
In 1893, Germany covertly sent representatives into Afghanistan to expand the arms factories. As the multi channeled heavy blades on the Afghan 'regulation' type swords seem quite German in quality, it begs the question , perhaps these quill point blades were produced for Afghan use as well?
I would say this is an Afghan military sabre of latter 19th century . It does not seem to have been produced in Mashin Khana as the notable mark is not present.
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