Afghan shashkas

Jim McDougall · 14th September 2019, 03:58 AM

This is an EXCELLENT topic! and you are more than eminently qualified to discuss these most interesting versions of these shashkas. Seeing these has prompted me to take the liberty of offering a review of your new outstanding book, "Edged Weapons of Afghanistan: 19th-20th c". ...on a separate thread.

The questions that come to mind, such as are Afghan shaskas really 'shashka's'? were they influenced by Russian or Caucasian shashkas? etc. are the kinds of questions that have long percolated through the arms community.

I acquired some time ago a shashka which was attributed to Uzbekistan, but had a scabbard with the long fluted silver tip which seems characteristic on Afghan paluoars. It was honestly hard to ascertain whether it was indeed Uzbek or Afghan, and the hybridization of these in these contiguous regions virtually render any specific classification almost impossible.

We could say, 'one could almost write a book on the possibilities in studying weapons of these regions'!!

Well you did!!! Congratulations!!! Nicely done.

carlos · 15th September 2019, 06:12 PM

This is my shaska, I hope enjoy pictures.

Ren Ren · 15th September 2019, 06:50 PM

I am absolutely delighted!

Jim McDougall · 15th September 2019, 07:17 PM

Beautiful example Carlos!! Thank you for sharing it here.
What do we know on this one? Do you have provenance or notes on its possible origin etc?
These are fascinating weapons in their very simplicity.

carlos · 15th September 2019, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Beautiful example Carlos!! Thank you for sharing it here.
What do we know on this one? Do you have provenance or notes on its possible origin etc?
These are fascinating weapons in their very simplicity.

This piece was bought diretly in Kabul.

Jim McDougall · 15th September 2019, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlos

This piece was bought diretly in Kabul.

Wow! that was quick!

I like the work in the scabbard fittings, and it seems openwork was very much favored in Afghan weaponry.
Thanks very much Carlos.

CharlesS · 23rd September 2019, 05:23 PM

I am delighted to see these swords getting some attention on the forum! I have been a fan of them for some time, though I realize they fall into the strange collecting category of "rare but not highly sought after". Perhaps it's because Caucasian shashkas are more "blingy" and found in greater numbers.

I have handled about 5 of these including my two shown, and they may vary in length and blade type, but are generally always heavier than the Caucasian shashka.

My two are both quite heavy even to the point of becoming somewhat cumbersome to handle. The hilt styles are the same with simple riveted-through scales. The blades are not particularly well forged. Note that forging flaws abound on the larger example even to the point of partially ruining the chiseled panels at the forte.

Those panels are reminiscent of Persian style cartouches but are actually far cruder by comparison.

Each sword has some form of arsenal mark. The larger one has it chiseled into the forte panel on one side. The smaller example has it inlaid in gold on one side with an Arabic inscription I have not had translated.

Even with some faults, these versions are certainly unique, worth appreciating, and as far as I know, this style is unique to Afghanistan.

15th September 2019, 06:12 PM	#2
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 751	This is my shaska, I hope enjoy pictures. Attached Images

23rd September 2019, 05:23 PM	#7
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I am delighted to see these swords getting some attention on the forum! I have been a fan of them for some time, though I realize they fall into the strange collecting category of "rare but not highly sought after". Perhaps it's because Caucasian shashkas are more "blingy" and found in greater numbers. I have handled about 5 of these including my two shown, and they may vary in length and blade type, but are generally always heavier than the Caucasian shashka. My two are both quite heavy even to the point of becoming somewhat cumbersome to handle. The hilt styles are the same with simple riveted-through scales. The blades are not particularly well forged. Note that forging flaws abound on the larger example even to the point of partially ruining the chiseled panels at the forte. Those panels are reminiscent of Persian style cartouches but are actually far cruder by comparison. Each sword has some form of arsenal mark. The larger one has it chiseled into the forte panel on one side. The smaller example has it inlaid in gold on one side with an Arabic inscription I have not had translated. Even with some faults, these versions are certainly unique, worth appreciating, and as far as I know, this style is unique to Afghanistan. Attached Images

14th September 2019, 03:58 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	This is an EXCELLENT topic! and you are more than eminently qualified to discuss these most interesting versions of these shashkas. Seeing these has prompted me to take the liberty of offering a review of your new outstanding book, "Edged Weapons of Afghanistan: 19th-20th c". ...on a separate thread. The questions that come to mind, such as are Afghan shaskas really 'shashka's'? were they influenced by Russian or Caucasian shashkas? etc. are the kinds of questions that have long percolated through the arms community. I acquired some time ago a shashka which was attributed to Uzbekistan, but had a scabbard with the long fluted silver tip which seems characteristic on Afghan paluoars. It was honestly hard to ascertain whether it was indeed Uzbek or Afghan, and the hybridization of these in these contiguous regions virtually render any specific classification almost impossible. We could say, 'one could almost write a book on the possibilities in studying weapons of these regions'!! Well you did!!! Congratulations!!! Nicely done.

15th September 2019, 06:50 PM	#3
Ren Ren Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 379	I am absolutely delighted!

15th September 2019, 07:17 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Beautiful example Carlos!! Thank you for sharing it here. What do we know on this one? Do you have provenance or notes on its possible origin etc? These are fascinating weapons in their very simplicity.