*Soviet Russian, 1927 Pattern Cossack Shashka, with Bayonet (Moisin Nagant Infantry Version), and Scabbard, Dated 1934, Marked C.C.C.P, Unit Marked*
Marked on the ricasso: IH18 KP
Marked on the obverse: Looks like “Златоуст или. Фабр” circle around two hammer and sickles, “1934 г1”
Marked on grip: Looks like “Злат. Ор. Фабр” (Zlat. Or. Fabr), 1934 г
Marked on obverse: “13KIII, 302, H L”
Head Marked “CCCP” and O, 23 underneath the beak
Bayonet marked: 2882, measures 43cm long
This is a classic Soviet Cossack cavalry Shashka (Shashqua) saber, featuring a “Hammer & Sickle” Soviet insignia and “C.C.C.P.” cast into the plated brass hilt pommel, along with the Zlatoust state factory marks. The saber is dated 1934г (г stands for “год” – “year” in Russian). It has a slightly curved 81 cm blade, single-edged, with one wide fuller. The combat end is double-edged. Arbitrary blades were common. It comes complete with its original black leather scabbard with brass fittings, including a Mosin Nagant bayonet with a 43 cm cruciform blade housed within its brass mounts.
After the 1917 revolution, Imperial Russia, now the Soviet Union, removed all symbols of its imperial past, including those on weapons. From 1928 to early 1933, the Zlatoust Arms Factory marked the lower sleeve of the saber’s handle with the stamp “Злат. Ор. Фабр.” (Zlat. OR. Fabr.) and the year of manufacture. The blade was marked “Златоуст или. Фабр.” (“Zlatoust or. Fabr.”) with the Soviet emblem of a sickle and hammer replacing the tsar’s eagle, and the year displayed nearby.
The Shashka was adopted by the command and officer staff of the Red Army cavalry, and by other officers who served on horseback. From 1932, it was worn only when in formation. Even after new bladed weapons were introduced in 1940, the 1927 model saber continued to be used during the Great Patriotic War.
The Shashka, a unique type of sabre, is a very sharp, single-edged, single-handed, guardless sword, effective for both slashing and thrusting. Originating in the 12th century among the Caucasus mountain tribes, it was later adopted by Russian and Ukrainian Cossacks. It is worn with the cutting edge facing to the rear, unlike a standard sabre. The absence of a guard allows the shashka to be nearly completely concealed in its scabbard, including the hilt.
Zlatoust-edged weapons were highly regarded for their fighting qualities, both in Russia and internationally, winning numerous awards at World Exhibitions. After 1917, the Zlatoust Arms Factory became part of the Zlatoust Mechanical Plant (now JSC Bulat). The final mass production of edged weapons at the factory was in 1945, for the Victory Parade.
*Condition*
The blade is in good condition it has some discolouration and pitting. The slotted wooden grips are in very good condition. The blade is firm in the hilt. The original scabbard is in very good condition. The bayonet is in good condition. Sabre, Bayonet and Scabbard have expected markings and patina commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMFOOXAOEO_3254176575
