Circassian Shashka mid 19th tamga on scabbard chape
 

This shashka is of high quality Daghestani craftsmanship, which according to research through notable authorities is likely from North Caucasian regions between Vladikavkaz and Nalchik. The hilt is of gilt silver and niello high relief decoration with star and crescent on each side. It is suggested that the atelier was despite the regional attribution likely Daghestani.

On reverse of locket in Arabic reads Sahabi......Afand, the owners name in center has been effaced, perhaps intended for name of new owner?

Most interesting on the scabbard chape in niello is a TAMGA. According to Iaroslav Lebedysky( author of "Les Tamgas une 'heraldique' de la Steppe" (2011) in personal communication 1998, the tamga on this most strongly resembles those of Abazin families of these Circassian regions...including Khoch and Kiach groups. (see attached detail).

These groups, as in much of Circassian (adaghe) areas have become Muslim through Nogai Tatars and other traders through the 18th into 19th c.

The Russo-Circassian war of 1763-1864 brought the potential of this shashka seeing service in these times, though it seems highly decorative for use in campaign.
The blade of 31" is quite servicable, slender and flexible showing wear delaminations commensurate with age. Traces of etched motif at forte appears to be heirloom Styrian or Hungarian blade.

It has been noted it is extremely rare to see a tamga on a shashka, though apparently it does occur on kindjhals,
In "Bron I Uzbrojenie Tatarow", J. Gotowski, it is noted "...only one example of a blade with Tatar owndership mark is known".
There is another example however listed (#76) with a Tatar tamga impressed in the scabbard (p.68).

Notes for readers
 

In discussing tamgas, as I mentioned Iaroslav Lebedysky did considerable research on these markings, which while used primarily in instances with Turkic tribes of the Steppes, often became basis in much Polish heraldry.

It is notable that much as in the case of this Adaghe (Circassian) example, the tribal influences of Nogai Tatars also was present in Poland and the varied principalities associated.

Helmet Nickel, in "Ceremonial Arrowheads from Bohemia" (Metropolitan Museum Journal, Vol. 1, p.34, 1968) notes:
"...there is evidence that the Turkish tamgas, as well as various numerical symbols from other alphabets are all linked to earlier symbols purportedly of talismanic or 'magic' significance. Some of these symbols may be seen on the blades of many European swords and are usually assumed to be makers marks but this may not be the case".

The last sentence applies more to the devices, sigils etc that are often seen on European blades as noted, and my personal quest for many years to better understand these.

Returning to TAMGAS with the Turkish connection, it should be noted that there was a dynamic diaspora of Circassians into Turkish regions during the Russo-Circassian wars (1763-1864) and it would seem that the Muslim factions would have notably been involved.

With the potential talismanic potential with tamgas noted, it would seem possibly this tamga seen on my example might be that rather than the presumed family/tribal association.

Such devices are far from unknown on Caucasian weapons, as seen on the hilt of this Daghestani shashka of second half 19th c. It looks more like a piece of jewelry, but while suggested to be prayer related, or perhaps an award...it may as well be a talismanic device.

Another angle to look at in examining these examples.

Also attached, a panel of tamga examples.

Following: a tamga style device on blade of Tatar saber form known as ordynka, again a rare occasion of this affectation.

Further on tamga:
"Tamgas, Runes, Magic Numbers and Magic Symbols", H. Nickel, Metropolitan Museum Journal, (1973, #8)

Other worldly
 

This is a handsome sword Jim and obviously ripe with provenance.
We are in a new world for me but it is very interesting.
Let me ask a question that falls marginally into my ball-court: where was the blade from?
You mention Styria and Hungary, was there blade production there at this time?

Thank you Keith! It appears we are among the handful left standing here so I cannot thank you enough for posting.

The blade is most likely Styrian, though that denomination is a bit difficult as the several centers in Styrian (Austrian) regions are not as much recorded as the huge enterprise in Solingen. Ostrowski (1979) suggests that the blade production in Hungary must have been very small (if any at all), so the attribution of blades to Hungary seems to be simply to the swords they are mounted in, not the actual known place of production.

It is suggested that imported blades were prevalent in the Caucusus in the years prior to c. 1860, however blade producing became more notable then with blades copying European forms. While the shashka form was of course known earlier into the 18th century, there are few attributable examples known in the west, and most examples we see are mid 19th into early 20th century.

It is a great question and I'll try to find more detailed answers.I know there are others out there with expertise but chances of appearing here are slim.