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

[Sakalord364]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

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.

While we are on the topic of these interesting swords, I’m also reminded of this fine example, not a factory made piece but made by a local craftsman, that has an imitation Wilkinson star on the Ricasso! It is wootz so of course it is not a genuine English blade, but if an Afghan craftsman decided to imitate the Wilkinson symbol on this very well made piece then there must have been many genuine Wilkinson blades floating around in Kabul at the time.

Afghan edged weapons were influenced by both Russia and the British empire during the late 19th century and I stuggle to pinpoint which empire they veered closer to- Afghan shashkas obviously point towards the Russians, but the imitation of the Wilkinson star implies a strong British influence as well: