Question regarding the origin of the grip construction on these European style swords

Jim McDougall · 19th July 2024, 10:09 PM

You do pose most interesting questions!

The Afghan military swords with this intriguing hilt style have been discussed here many times through the years, and seem to have evolved there from a form that was in use around time of the 2nd Afghan war c. 1879. They were produced at the Machin Khana from about mid to late 1880s into early 20th c.It is unclear whether at that complex itself or adjacent shops, but they typically have the Afghan state seal.

I have personally always suspected the overall design of a British sword bayonet was the basis for the hilt design, and as the primary production at the Machin Khana was Enfield rifles if not mistaken.

The grip material on the 'shashka' appears to be rayskin or other substitute which was a much favored affectation on Tatar sabers such as 'ordynka' from Poland and other regions with Tatar presence. Naturally this material was used by many nations for officers hilts, but in the context shown the Tatar influence came to mind.

On the odd cross hatch on the Afghan grip, no idea what that might be.

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19th July 2024, 10:09 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,898	You do pose most interesting questions! The Afghan military swords with this intriguing hilt style have been discussed here many times through the years, and seem to have evolved there from a form that was in use around time of the 2nd Afghan war c. 1879. They were produced at the Machin Khana from about mid to late 1880s into early 20th c.It is unclear whether at that complex itself or adjacent shops, but they typically have the Afghan state seal. I have personally always suspected the overall design of a British sword bayonet was the basis for the hilt design, and as the primary production at the Machin Khana was Enfield rifles if not mistaken. The grip material on the 'shashka' appears to be rayskin or other substitute which was a much favored affectation on Tatar sabers such as 'ordynka' from Poland and other regions with Tatar presence. Naturally this material was used by many nations for officers hilts, but in the context shown the Tatar influence came to mind. On the odd cross hatch on the Afghan grip, no idea what that might be.