Russia, Imperial. A Caucasian Shashka, by the Osman Workshop

A well-preserved Caucasian Shashka, measuring 91 cm in total length when inserted
into the scabbard. It features a 74.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a
gentle curvature and with fullers running the majority of the length of each side Both the
tip and lower edge remain in a sharpened state. The upper quarter of each side of the
blade bears acid-etched arabesque designs, while the reverse is double-marked with
the logo of the noted workshop of Osman Omarov. The blade sits securely within a
silver niello hilt, decorated with intricate arabesque designs throughout, and featuring a
hooked pommel to facilitate a secure grip. The Shashka is accompanied by its original
scabbard, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shaft. Four silver niello fixtures
are secured to the shaft, with the middle two retaining loops for the accommodation of a
black leather strap. The Shashka demonstrates issues consistent with age and use,
which includes pitting and running marks throughout the blade, material fatigue and
cracking to the leather of both the shaft and strap, and friction which rendered insertion
and extraction of the Shashka from the scabbard difficult. A period example produced
by a noted manufacturer in very fine condition.