Shashka (saber)

Dateblade 1600s, hilt mid-1800s

Mediumsteel, silver and niello (blackened silver alloy)

Dimensions87 × 74 cm (34 1/4 × 29 1/8 in.), 1 lb, 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsThe obverse face bears a chased pair of addorsed, small "sickle" marks. On the bevelled face of the obverse of the grip, at the blade, is what appears to be nielloed Arabic script.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.319

DescriptionGently curved single-edged steel blade of triangular section and hollow-ground on both faces, with a rather bluntly curving tip. The back edge is flat for three-quarters of its length, becoming double edged at the "yalman." The blade may be a 17th century Austrian (Styrian) or South German product. Near the shoulder of the blade are visible traces of an incised line that extends across the width of the blade.

The hilt of silver plaques is typical of Caucasian pieces and is without a guard. It is outwardly beveled at the sides of the base, and is of more-or-less oval section. The grip proper is short, with a raised band covering the joint with the axially divided "bird's head" pommel that is rounded at its split end. The two-piece grip is soldered along the cutting edge, and slipped over the tang. The pommel and grip are held in place by means of a transverse, domed rivet. The grip is decorated in a narrow arabesque band of nielloed silver within similar framing. The ground is engraved with a zig-zag motif.
Label TextLying at the intersection of Russia, Turkey, and Iran, the mountainous Caucasus region has absorbed various influences over the centuries. The overall design of this sword, with its curved blade and no crossguard, is typical of swords that have been used in central Asia region for a millenium. The eared grip resembles the Turkish yataghan, with which it probably shares an ancestry. But the blade of this weapon was imported from Western Europe, probably through Russian merchants. Swords of this type, designed for swift, slashing attacks, were favored by the light cavalry of the Caucasus, and were also adopted by Cossack horsemen in the Russian army.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum at the Morosini sale #3986 at the American Art Association (NYC), October 10-15, 1932, lot #39. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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