Original Soviet WWII Cossack Shashka Saber by НМЗ with Scabbard - Dated 1945 & Marked CCCP

Original Item: Only One Available. Remember Dr. Zhivago? Imperial Russia, known as the Soviet Union after the revolution of 1917, did away with anything and everything that reminded it of an imperial past. This included markings on weapons as well as nearly everything else. This also included the legendary Shashka Sabers used by Cossack forces for centuries.

The Shashka saber, and there are varied spellings of the name, was developed in the 13th century. and there is a well known photograph of the Russian Tsar Nicholas the Second wielding one during military exercises in the 1890s. With the close of WW1 in 1918 the Cossacks tended to support the dethroned Tsar against the Bolshevik Communists. The new Soviet army immediately banned any Cossacks from entering it's military forces in 1918 and this ban remained in force until 1936 when Cossack units were again introduced.

This is a classic Soviet WWII Production Cossack Cavalryman’s Shashka Saber that bears the "Hammer & Sickle" Soviet insignia and "C.C.C.P." cast into the once plated brass hilt pommel. This model saber was never fitted with any hilt or cross guard. The slightly curved Saber Blade has the correct Cyrillic markings on each side, with one side marked Ц, and the other marked with maker НМЗ (NMZ) over a 1945 date (covered by the leather buffer). The shaska is held in its correct original wood and lacquered covered scabbard which is in good shape overall with some nicks and dents in the finish.

Condition is very good, with the blade in excellent condition, looking to have not seen much service since it was produced. The edge is still VERY SHARP, so it should be handled with care. There is a lovely patina on the brass hilt, and the wood is in great shape, and the hilt is still tight on the tang, with no wobble. The leather blade buffer is present and still tightly attached.

This is an extremely scarce original Soviet item to find today! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Overall length: 37”
Blade Length: 31 ½"
Blade Style: Single Edge Shashka with Fuller
Scabbard Length: 32 ¾”