Unusual Shashka

[Oliver Pinchot]

JT, we all find ourselves in your situation from time to time. I would urge you to visit a reliable forum (there are many out there,) and perhaps inquire before investing in an antique arm beyond your specific knowledge? It will save you a buck in the long run. This time, just consider it tuition. That's what the rest of us do ;0)

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Oliver Pinchot

JT, we all find ourselves in your situation from time to time. I would urge you to visit a reliable forum (there are many out there,) and perhaps inquire before investing in an antique arm beyond your specific knowledge? It will save you a buck in the long run. This time, just consider it tuition. That's what the rest of us do ;0)

OUCH! wow, there's some sage advice.......go out and find a 'reliable' forum! Gee, wish I would have had those back when I was just getting into it all.
Well noted on tuition, and I spent a LOT to get what knowledge I gained, but clearly not quite enough.
Thank you JT for giving us a shot here, I learned a great deal here myself, still learning........still a novice after 40+ years of study.

[Oliver Pinchot]

But you can sure wear the heck outta that ascot, Jim!

[dat_man]

I am not going to add much to the argument but I am going to say that the metal work with twisted wire soldered on plates is abkhzian and Western georgian metal work characteristics, here is an example

[JT88]

Originally Posted by dat_man

I am not going to add much to the argument but I am going to say that the metal work with twisted wire soldered on plates is abkhzian and Western georgian metal work characteristics, here is an example

Interesting, how old is that piece, and what is it on? Do you have a better descriptive word to describe it?

[mariusgmioc]

In my opinion this is a fairly recent work, but sporting a probably old blade

I know of modern resins that imitate ivory even to the cracks... but NOT in the Schreger lines. Does your hilt show any sign of Schreger lines?

Moreover, while the hilt may be ivory, the carved panels on the scabbard most certainly are not. I have seen this type pf ivory imitating resin or bone on recent kindjals.

Last but not least, I find it very strange that the "ivory" of the hilt is not braced in front bolster.

[JT88]

I’ve found no resin lines, though the antique dealer that has been looking at it thinks it is marine ivory and he said they would not be discernible that way.

Using the black light test resin should show dull/green and not blue/white