Russian Dragoon Officer’s 1881/1909 Shashka

Description of the Product

In the late 1800s firearms became the predominant weapon on the battlefield and the need for swords in combat began to decline. Yet the need for a uniform weapon for cavalry combat still existed. The Russian response was the shashka which derived from common folk’s horseman’s sabre. The Russian military modeled many of its swords after the excellent and famous Cossack sabers. These swords became the military standard swords used throughout the Imperial period as well as USSR, not just to Cossack cavalrymen serving in Russian forces. The Dragoon Officers Shashka was the pinnacle of that evolution from weapon of the Cossacks to iconic sword that lasted into the 1930s to what we know today.

This reproduction of the Russian Dragoon Officers Shashka by Hanwei is faithful in keeping with the proud traditional of Caucasus region and the military. The 84 cm blade is very thick at the back and yet light weight. The beautifully detailed hilt is etched with a Perovskia flower (Russian sage) and accented with scroll work. The blade on both sides is etched and emblazoned with the regalia of the Tsarist Imperial Russian Empire with the double-headed Imperial Eagle on one side and the cipher of Tsar Nicholas II on the reverse.

As Finland was part of Russia during this time and sent officer's to serve in the Imperial Russian Army, this sword would have been used by Finnish officer's also at the time. The Grand Duchy of Finland (or Grand Principality of Finland) was the predecessor state of modern Finland and it existed between 1809 and 1917 as an autonomous state within the former Russian Empire.

The sword comes with a leather sword knot which can also be used as a lanyard to attach the sword to your hand. As sword knots were mainly used by officers these became symbols of prestige. The handle is finely carved rosewood and the hilt is crafted from cast brass with Imperial markings and embellishment copied from the originals. The black leather scabbard mirrors the hilt with matching detailing. Scabbard includes one hanging ring to hang and wear the sword traditionally blade's sharp edge pointing upwards. This method of wearing the sword allows draw and cut to happen from the scabbard in one motion.

Overall this is an excellent sword for a history museum, sword aficionado or military collector.

• Replica of late 19th Century saber used throughout Imperial Russia
• Includes leather sword knot attached to handle
• Includes leather covered wooden scabbard with detailed brass fittings and belt ring
• This sword is carried edge up, allowing draw and cut in one motion
• Overall length: 99.0 cm
• Blade length: 84.0 cm
• Handle length: 16.0 cm
• Pommel: 5.6 cm at longest part
• Weight: 0.86 kg
• Point of balance from the guard: 19.4 cm
• Blade width at guard: 3.2 cm
• Blade width at tip: 2.48 cm
• Blade thickness at guard: 6.17 mm
• Blade thickness at tip: 4.94 mm
• Blade material: 1566 Spring steel
• Handle Material: Rosewood and brass
  
• Sharpness: Sharp
• Manufacturer: Hanwei