Pre-War Russian M1927 Shashka with Bayonet

Description

In 1927 the Soviet government introduced the Model 1927 “shashka” saber, similar to the
earlier Imperial M1881Cossack pattern shashka, but replacing the Imperial markings with
communist symbols. The trooper’s model was often fitted with a bayonet for the Mosin-
Nagant rifle mounted to the outside of the scabbard, until it was scrapped in 1944. Officer’s
models had no bayonet. Early examples, such is the one offered here, had brass mounts
on the hilt and scabbard, with the birds head pommel showing greater detail. The Cossack
pattern saber had no guard, this example featuring tapering grip with diagonal ridges and
brass base ferrule stamped “1328″ with a hammer and sickle and star in an oval. Pommel
with raised star and hammer and sickle on the back, flanked by foliage. Slightly curved 30
3/4″ (78.1 cm) single-edged blade with 3/4 length single fuller, the last 10″ double-edged;
ricasso stamped with maker’s markings and Soviet symbols (see photos). Leather blade
washer. Wood scabbard covered in brown-painted leather, with brass throat, drag, and
three bands to hold the bayonet and single carry ring. Hollow-ground diamond-section
spike bayonet for the M1891/30 Mosin-Nagant rifle, with stamped markings on the barrel
ring. Blade with moderate pitting over its entire surface, with rust near the tip. Hilt very
good, with mellow patina to the brass and some greenish oxidation around the lower edge
and the “eye”. Scabbard very good, showing light wear and matching patina on the mounts.
Bayonet pitted and the release button frozen. Overall length 36 3/4″ (93.3 cm), not
including scabbard. Most of these were made at the Zlatoust Factory, but we have been
unable to identify the maker markings on this example. Much is still unknown about the
various makers and variations of the M1927 shashka.