Russian Cossack Shashka Sabre M1881 Replica with Scabbard

Russian Cossack Shashka Sabre M1881 Replica with Scabbard

Detailed Description of the Sabre and Scabbard

This replica of the Russian Shashka Sabre M1881 impresses with its authentic design based on the historical pattern. The hilt features a dark wood grip with the characteristic longitudinal grooves, ensuring a firm and secure hold. The unmistakable brass pommel is shaped like a stylised bird's head, seamlessly transitioning into the back of the grip. The ferrule at the front of the grip is also made of brass. The peened end of the blade's tang is visible at the pommel, demonstrating the traditional construction method of these weapons. Typically for a Cossack shashka, it lacks a knuckle-guard.

The gently curved blade has been rolled from high-quality EN45 spring steel, then hardened and tempered. It is not sharpened; the thickness of its edge is approximately 1.2 mm. For about 21 cm from the tip, the blade is double-edged (ground on both sides), while the remaining section towards the hilt has only a single edge. The unsharpened section of the blade near the hilt (ricasso) is approx. 48 mm long.

Also included is the carefully crafted scabbard. It has a wooden core covered with durable, dark brown leather. The scabbard is adorned with brass fittings: a throat (locket) with a small triangular loop for attaching to equipment, a central band with a suspension ring for hanging from a belt or harness, and a chape protecting the scabbard's tip.

Technical Specifications:

• Overall Length: approx. 94 cm
• Blade Length: approx. 81.3 cm
• Weight of Sabre Alone: approx. 923 g
• Point of Balance (PoB): approx. 25 cm from the hilt
• Blade Cross-section at Hilt: approx. 30.8 x 5.1 mm
• Blade Material: EN45 Spring Steel (equivalent to ASTM 9255, WNr. 1.0904)
• Hilt Material: Wood, Brass
• Scabbard Material: Wood, Leather, Brass
• Please Note: The stated dimensions and weight may vary slightly from piece to piece.

How You Can Use This Replica

This Shashka replica is primarily intended as a decorative item for collectors of historical weapons or for anyone fascinated by Russian military history and Cossack traditions. It also serves excellently as an authentic accessory for a costume of a Cossack, a Tsarist officer, or for historical reenactment purposes (always prioritising safety). Last but not least, it can be an original and eye-catching element of interior décor.

Although the blade is made from high-quality spring steel, which could theoretically withstand some stress, we sell this sabre strictly as a decorative replica. This is due to the impossibility of handling potential warranty claims for damage resulting from practical use (e.g., sword practice) with the manufacturer Deepeka in India. Any use other than decorative is therefore at your own risk and without eligibility for warranty claims.

The Shashka in History

The name "Shashka" comes from the Circassian language and means "long knife". This type of sabre has its roots in the Caucasus, from where it spread in the 19th century into the armament of Russian Cossack units and later the regular Tsarist cavalry. The Shashka was popular for its simplicity, robustness, and excellent performance in slashing combat from horseback. The Model 1881 (M1881) was introduced as part of the effort to standardise weaponry in the Russian Tsarist army, replacing several older sabre models for both dragoons and Cossacks. This replica corresponds to the Cossack version of the M1881, which was characterised by the absence of a handguard.

An Interesting Historical Fact

Original Model 1881 sabres were often marked with the maker's stamps. Among the most famous was the armoury in the city of Zlatoust in the Urals. Its marks usually included the year of manufacture and the Tsarist eagle, which soldiers sometimes humorously nicknamed the "chicken". While this replica does not bear these historical markings, it faithfully preserves the form and spirit of this iconic weapon.

Care Instructions

To keep this Shashka replica looking beautiful for a long time, give it a little care:

• The blade is made of EN45 carbon steel, which can rust. Therefore, wipe it with a dry, clean cloth after every handling. For long-term protection, regularly apply a thin layer of conservation oil (e.g., Ballistol, WD-40, or another oil suitable for weapons).
• The brass parts on the hilt and scabbard may develop a natural patina over time. If you prefer a shiny appearance, you can carefully polish them with a brass cleaning agent and a soft cloth. Be careful not to soil the wooden and leather parts during polishing.
• Keep the wooden grip and the leather cover of the scabbard dry. You can occasionally treat the leather with a suitable leather conditioner to keep it supple.
• Store the sabre in a dry environment. It is ideal to keep it out of the scabbard, especially in more humid conditions, to prevent moisture from collecting under the fittings or inside the scabbard and causing corrosion.

Safety Instructions

Even though this replica does not have a sharpened blade, it is still an object that must be handled with respect and caution:

• The sabre has a pointed tip and, due to its weight and length, can cause injury.
• Never point it at people or animals, not even as a joke.
• Be extremely focused and careful during any handling – drawing from the scabbard, examining, cleaning.
• Keep the sabre out of the reach of children and individuals who have not been instructed on safe handling.
• Remember that this is not a toy, but a replica of a real historical weapon.

The detailed craftsmanship based on the historical pattern, the materials used, and the overall appearance make this replica of the Russian Cossack Shashka M1881 an impressive piece that will become the pride of your collection, a fantastic costume accessory, or a unique decorative element.