New Shashka: need advice

ham · 22nd January 2006, 08:50 PM

This is an excellent example of a Chechen shashka of the third quarter of the 19th century, and an untouched one at that. Congratulations, Ariel.
As Rivkin observes, the combination of red and black were popular there, not only as regards scabbard covering but garments and other male accoutrements as well. Astvatsaturian includes Chechnia in the Circassian culturalsphere-- and here is proof. The engraved motifs and background matting, in addition to the bicolored leather, point to Circassian influence.
Ariel, if you polish those mounts you will find they are silver, not brass. Not sterling grade, but silver nonetheless.

Sincerely,

Ham

22nd January 2006, 08:50 PM	#8
ham Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 190	This is an excellent example of a Chechen shashka of the third quarter of the 19th century, and an untouched one at that. Congratulations, Ariel. As Rivkin observes, the combination of red and black were popular there, not only as regards scabbard covering but garments and other male accoutrements as well. Astvatsaturian includes Chechnia in the Circassian culturalsphere-- and here is proof. The engraved motifs and background matting, in addition to the bicolored leather, point to Circassian influence. Ariel, if you polish those mounts you will find they are silver, not brass. Not sterling grade, but silver nonetheless. Sincerely, Ham