ZARISTISCH RUSISCHE DRAGONER OFFIZIEREN SCHASCHKA SÄBEL SCHWERT M1881/1909 MIT ORDER ST. ANNA

ZARISTISCH RUSISCHE DRAGONER OFFIZIEREN SCHASCHKA SÄBEL SCHWERT M1881/1909 MIT ORDER ST. ANNA RUSSLAND

Extremaly rare Russian dragoon officers’ award shashka “For Bravery”, model after changes in 1909, made in the short time of existence of the Provisional Government in 1917. Length - 94,4 cm.
Origin: Russian Empire.
A Shashka is a cutting and thrust long bladed edged weapon. The Russian army regulation shashkas were distinctively different from the Caucasian type shashka in their hilt and scabbard organization. The pattern 1881 shashka came in 1881 to replace the cavalry dragoons and infantry sabres and cuirassiers broadswords of all the officers and generals authorized to carry them. In 1909 the hilt was somewhat changed. The grip’s incline was made steeper, abulge appeared in mid-grip, pommel was decorated with Tsar’s monogram. The grip’s grooves became crosswise and deeper and other changes were made.
The Russian Provisional Government was a provisional government of the Russian Republic after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II (March 15, 1917). The intention of the Provisional Government was the organization of elections to the Russian Constituent Assembly and its convention. The government was initially composed of the Kadet coalition led by Prince Georgy Lvov, which was replaced by the Socialist coalition led by Alexander Kerensky. The Provisional Government lasted approximately eight months, and ceased to exist when the Bolsheviks seized power after the October Revolution (or November 1917, depending on Calendar Dating Styles).
Provisional Government arms were exactly same as during imperial period, but devoid of any ornaments linked to the Empire or the Tsar. Due to the fact that the Provisional Government acted only eight months, arms from this period are extremely rare.
Blade: regulation officer’s shashka blade, lightly curved, single edged, with two narrow fullers and one wide groom and the false edge. Length of the blade – 76,7 cm, width – 30,81 mm.
Hilt: closed brass guard connected to the brass pommel. Inscription “?? ?????????“ (For Bravery) on the lower part of the guard, both sides. Monogram of Nicolas II is removed from the pommel, referring to the period of Provisional Government. Order of St. Anna IV class on the pommel, with broken crown, what also refers to the period of Provisional Government. Complete with the original tassel. Pommel is originally gilt in contrary to the rest of brass parts of the hilt and scabbard. Together with poor quality of engraving “For bravery” sentence, means that officer was awarded during WW1 and St. Anna order was adapted to his sword with replaced pommel, sentence was engraved in the combat zone.
Scabbard: wooden scabbard with brass fittings typical for officer’s swords, covered with black leather.
Condition report: blade cleaned, with pitting from corrosion and black spots. Guard cleaned, with remains of patina, scratches and dents. Patina in beds of indentations. Pommel with traces of corrosion, some scratches. Wears off of red enamel from order of st. Anna. Grip in good condition, some amount of wear and scratches. Leather of scabbard with amount of wear, cracks in places.
Object with the expertise by Mr. Alexander Gvozdevitch.