Russian Cossack Sabre Shashka M1881, Replica

Russian Cossack Sabre Shashka M1881, Replica

Detailed Description of the Sabre and Scabbard

This replica **Shashka M1881** boasts authentic details. The hilt is crafted from dark wood with typical longitudinal grooves for a firm grip. The dominant feature is the brass pommel shaped like a stylised **eagle head**, which flows smoothly into the back of the hilt. The ferrule (collar) at the blade is also brass. As is typical for Cossack shashkas, the weapon lacks any guard.

The slightly curved, single-edged blade is forged from EN45 spring steel. It is not sharpened; the edge thickness is approx. 1.2 mm. The tip of the blade is double-edged for a length of approximately 21 cm. The blade's tang is visibly peened at the end of the pommel, consistent with historical construction.

Delivery includes a robust **scabbard**. It has a wooden core, which is carefully covered in dark brown leather. The scabbard is fitted with three brass mounts: a throat (locket) with a small leather loop, a middle band with a suspension ring, and a solid chape to protect the tip.

Technical Specifications

• Overall Length: approx. 94 cm
• Blade Length: approx. 81.3 cm
• Blade Material: EN45 Spring Steel (carbon steel)
• Hilt Material: Wood and brass
• Scabbard Material: Wooden core, leather cover, brass fittings
• Point of Balance (CoG): approx. 25 cm from the hilt
• Blade Cross-section at Hilt: approx. 30.8 x 5.1 mm
• Weight (Sabre Only): approx. 923 g

The specifications above may vary slightly from piece to piece.

Use of the Replica: From Decoration to Re-enactment

This shashka replica is primarily intended as a decorative item for collectors, an interior ornament, or as an authentic accessory for a costume of a Cossack or Tsarist officer. It also serves excellently for historical re-enactment purposes where no contact fencing is involved.

Important Notice: Weapon Classification

Although the blade is made from high-quality EN45 spring steel, we sell this shashka exclusively as a decorative replica. It is not designed or tested for practical fencing, cutting tests (tameshigiri), or other contact use.

For this reason, the product is classified as: Class C according to the Classification of Fencing Weapons, product without warranty!

You can find more information in our article on weapon classification:

• Klasifikace zbraní na šerm (CZ)
• Klassifizierung der Schaukampfwaffen (DE)
• Classification of Battle-Ready Weapons (EN)

Any practical use is entirely at your own risk and voids any warranty for damage resulting from such use. The manufacturer is Deepeka in India, and it is impossible to claim for damages from use with them.

From the History of the Shashka M1881

The name "shashka" (шашка) comes from the Circassian language and means "long knife". This type of sabre has its roots in the Caucasus, from where it was adopted by Russian Cossack units in the 19th century. Due to its effectiveness in mounted combat, simplicity, and durability, it quickly spread to the regular Tsarist cavalry. The M1881 Pattern was introduced as part of a major reform and standardisation of weaponry in the Russian army. This replica corresponds to the Cossack version, which was characterised by the distinctive hilt without a guard.

Historical Tidbit

Original M1881 sabres were often marked by the manufacturer. Among the most famous was the armoury in the city of Zlatoust in the Urals. Its mark usually included the Tsarist eagle, which soldiers humorously nicknamed the "chicken" (курица), and the year of manufacture. Although this replica does not bear specific historical markings, it faithfully captures the shape and spirit of this iconic weapon.

In 1881, when this pattern was introduced into the Tsarist army, communist symbols (like the sickle and hammer) were, of course, not present on the weapons.

The "M1881 Pattern" designation on this replica refers to the original design and construction of the sabre, which was officially adopted in that year. However, this particular model was so successful and popular that its variants remained in service even after the Bolshevik Revolution and were used by the Red Army (often with minor modifications, e.g., as the M1927 pattern), well into the 1940s.

It was with these later, Soviet versions that the Tsarist insignia (e.g., the Tsar's monogram or the Imperial eagle) were logically replaced by new state symbols of the USSR.

The replica we offer is therefore clearly a copy of one of these Soviet variants, which are, however, still based on the original M1881 design. We agree that the product name can be confusing without this context.

Care and Maintenance Instructions

To ensure this replica brings you joy for as long as possible, please give it basic care:

• Blade: It is made of EN45 carbon steel, which is not stainless. Wipe it with a dry cloth after every touch. For long-term preservation, regularly apply a thin layer of oil (e.g., Ballistol or other gun oil).
• Brass Parts: Brass naturally darkens over time and develops a patina. If you prefer a shiny look, you can carefully polish the fittings with a brass polish. Be careful not to stain the leather and wooden parts.
• Wood and Leather: Keep the hilt and scabbard dry. You can occasionally treat the leather with a leather conditioner to keep it supple.
• Storage: Store the sabre in a dry environment. In humid conditions (e.g., a cellar), it is better to store it out of the scabbard to prevent moisture condensation and rust on the blade inside.

Safety Instructions

Remember that even though this is an unsharpened replica, it is not a toy. The tip is sharp, and the weight of the weapon can cause injury. Always be careful when handling it, do not point it at others, and keep it out of the reach of children.