Circassian Shashka mid 19th tamga on scabbard chape

[Jim McDougall]

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).