This is the so-called "Victory Parade" model which saw the return of the more ornate early style pommel decorated with etched florals and inscription "USSR" (as opposed to the plain version introduced in 1942, apparently as a cost cutting measure). Overall length in scabbard is 38.5". The scabbard is in wood, wrapped in cloth and covered with layers of black lacquer giving it the trademark smooth, leather-like appearance. Note that even though this is technically an "officer's model" without the provision for the bayonet, since at least 1944 all Soviet cavalry Shashkas were with

This is the so-called "Victory Parade" model which saw the return of the more ornate early style pommel decorated with etched florals and inscription "USSR" (as opposed to the plain version introduced in 1942, apparently as a cost cutting measure). Overall length in scabbard is 38.5". The scabbard is in wood, wrapped in cloth and covered with layers of black lacquer giving it the trademark smooth, leather-like appearance. Note that even though this is technically an "officer's model" without the provision for the bayonet, since at least 1944 all Soviet cavalry Shashkas were without the bayonet, the same for enlisted men and officers.

The 32" blade shows the correct maker mark ИМЗ ("IMZ") and a 1945 date. The fittings of the scabbard, brass base of the handle and the lacquer of the scabbard show matching Ц (Cyrillic "Ts") quality inspection stamps. Standard brown hardwood grip. The upper fittings of the scabbard are in brass, whereas the chape is a simplified version in steel, standard feature of the 1945 shashka.

The 1942-dated Harness is a wartime model in brown leather and tough web material with zinc-plated steel hardware. The underside of the leather part shows the maker mark and quality control stamp of the manufacturer with a clearly legible 1942 date. The harness is in excellent condition, completely intact and sound with solid, healthy leather. There is a minor amount of oxidation to the metal hardware some of which has transferred to the surrounding web fabric and leather; this is not detractive in the least and actually adds character.

The Knot is of the type used on EM and Officer Shashkas throughout the 1930s-50s. Made of good quality chocolate-brown leather; measures approx. 11" from end to end when mounted on the pommel. The knot is in excellent condition. The leather shows healthy gloss and is still very supple, free of tears, scuffs; or discoloration spots.

The shashka is in excellent condition, very uncommon for a Soviet edged weapon of WW2 period. The factory-sharpened blade is extremely well preserved, completely free of any nicks, rust or pitting. It shows only minimal in and out wear. The scabbard is in superb shape: its lacquer layer intact having only a few very minor chips and dings, and light craquelure but no significant damage of any kind. The underlying wood is perfectly sound; there are no losses of the fabric wrapping or exposed areas of the background wood. The wooden grip of the hilt is likewise superb, without cracks or chips. The brass and steel fittings show only light wear, no significant dings or dents, and have acquired extremely attractive even age toning. All-in-all, this is an exceptional example of Soviet WW2 Shashka!

/Similar to fig. 293,Russian Edged Weapons, by Alexander Kulinskiy/.
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