Russia, Imperial. A Model 1881 Dragoon Sabre, Unit-Attributed and Zlatoust Foundry Marked

 A well-preserved Model 1881 Imperial Russian Dragoon sabre, measuring 103 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 86.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a tapering fully running approximately three quarters of the length of each side. The reverse ricasso bears multiple Zlatoust Foundry marks, with additional manufacture dates of “1888”. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt consists of a gilded brass crossguard, hand guard, and pommel, similarly stamped with a Zlatoust mark and date of “1886”. The obverse of the crossguard bears a later unit stamping which appears to read “С.П.В.Ц.П. 501”, flanked by a date of “1901”. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of dark brown wood featuring hand-carved ribbing. Accompanying the sabre is its original scabbard, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shaft. Gilded brass fixtures are sacred to both the tip and throat, while an additional ring of identical construction situated near the throat retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include minor tarnishing of the blade, loss of gilt finish to the hilt, a chip to the obverse of the handle, material fatigue to the scabbard leather, and some oxidation of the scabbard’s brass fixtures. This unit-attributed example remains in an overall better than very fine condition.