Author:Anonymous

Category：Weapons and defense

Year：19th century

Size:Length:74.3 (cm)

Introduction：This ethnically-distinct sword of the Circassians, widely adopted by the entire Caucasian race, is decorated with pure silver and “niello.” Niello is a grey/black mixture of copper, silver and lead sulphides, inlayed into engraved or etched metal. The Egyptians are credited for the first use of niello which then spread throughout Europe.

This shasqua is in very good condition and retains its original black leather-covered wooden scabbard with typical lightly embossed silver scrollwork. The hilt has an applied red enamelled gilt-brass Order of St. Anne, fourth class on one side of the pommel.

The Order of St. Anne was initially a Holstein order and then Russian Imperial order of chivalry established by Karl Friedrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp on the 14th of February 1735, in honour of his wife Anne Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great of Russia. The motto of the order was "Amantibus Justitiam, Pietatem, Fidem" ("To those who love justice, piety and fidelity"). This order was originally a dynastic order of knighthood, but from 1797 to 1917 it had a dual status as a dynastic order and a state order. Membership of the order was awarded for a distinguished career in civil service or for valour and distinguished military service. The Order of St. Anne 1st class entitled recipients to hereditary nobility. Other classes of the order gave recipients a personal nobility. Military recipients were awarded certain privileges and presented with a sword.

Accession Number:0009943

Place of Orgin：Caucasus