Cuacasian pride

[Jim McDougall]

Yannis,
This is most definitely a Khevsur straight sabre, from these tribal people high in Caucusus in Georgia. The hilt form, niello etc. is typically Khevsur and most often these blades are trade blades or Chechen. The swords are actually quite rare despite most being relatively recent from latter part of 19th century.
This is truly a beautiful example Yannis! and I agree, extremely well done!!
An excellent resource for data on these, aside from the book by Astvatsaturjian on Caucasian weapons and in Russian text, is Iaroslav Lebedynsky's "Les Armes Cosaques et Caucasiennes" published in French, where Khevsur warriors are seen wearing these as well as chain mail armor in latter 19th c. They are known to have been using these well into the 20th century.

All the best,
Jim

[tom hyle]

Interestingly, as has happened to so many old blades, it appears someone has clamped this blade in an unpadded or inadequately padded vice at some time. I see a lot of scars like those at the base of the blade.

[Jim McDougall]

Tom,
Interesting observation, which actually seems almost distinctive on these Khevsur swords as others I have seen carry similar vise and sometimes file marks. It would seem working life maintainance on these was not carried out with the same consideration as found on swords in surrounding regions where more pronounced quality workmanship was expected of ateliers. It is important to realize that many of these swords were actually used in 'duelling', although often a staged tradition, rather than ceremonial wear in courts or parade.

Best regards,
Jim

[Conogre]

When I saw the close up of your wonderful sword, Yannis, the pattern jumped right out at me, very similar in style to this one, to the point that it's possible it was made in the same region?
I have another sword and a small knife that's similar, with the "feel" of the intricate detailing making me think that they, too, came from this region.
Personally, I'm awestruck by the skill of artistry, by far the best of anything that I've been priveleged to own.
Mike

[ariel]

Yannis,
Great one!
The only reason I am not dying of envy is because I have one with a locally made curved blade.
As to Conogre's shashka, I am not sure it is an old one: the decorations look like newly made Georgian weapons. Would be interesting to see the blade and, of course, markings if it has them.

[Yannis]

Jim
I was sure you would like it. Now I have companions for my shield (avatar) that you helped me identify few years ago. Since then I have read about khevsurs. This blade has few nicks from duelling. The Khevsurs used to duel with real swords for a lot of reasons (just for fun or as real fight between adults) usually Sundays in the middle of the village. But they could stop immediately if a woman wanted so!

Conogre
Interesting shashka but newly made. It is not cheap, but the hilt is wrong and the ornaments with “easy” style. If it was an old, with the technique of old masters, and all this ornamentation it could be priceless.

Ariel
I want to see your sword. Please!

[Battara]

Although I am not into this sort of thing, I must say nice puppy (woof! ).

[Rivkin]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

It is important to realize that many of these swords were actually used in 'duelling', although often a staged tradition, rather than ceremonial wear in courts or parade.

Ugh, these guys also had a much darker use.

In theory, even in war, with an exception of the ones induced by vengeance, killing rather than wounding an opponent was considered an excessive brutality. That's why chechens prohibiting thrusts in their kindjal duels, and while northern caucasians maintained their shashka dules, southern used palashes.

But there was a tradition that is a little bit strange: while taking cloth from a dead opponent was strictly prohibited by the codes of honor, taking body parts of someone who is already dead was encouraged, especially among khevsurs.
Usually right hand or head was chopped off, it was then boiled in salty water, dehydrated and either incorporated into one's personal architecture as a building material/nice ornament, or if you were into it you could actually carry it with you.

So khevsurian palashes served an important role even when guns became a primeral weapon - they were used to chop off the body parts needed.

Sorry if I'm introducing some well known truths,

Sincerely yours,

K.Rivkin