Curved 31-inch double fullered, nickel-plated blade is etched on one side with the Imperial eagle and on the reverse with the cipher of Emperor Nicholas II. The spine is marked "Zlatoust Arms Factory" in stylized script resembling Church Slavonic. Overall length in scabbard is 38". Brass hilt showing Nicholas II cipher on the pommel, the strap cast with florals. There is a small stamped maker mark "A" to the blade near the hilt on the side with Nicholas's cypher, the matching mark also appears on the handle guard on the same side. Hardwood grip. The scabbard is wrapped in varnished black leather.

In good condition. The blade has been sharpened and has a single small nick to the edge; there is some pitting, more pronounced on its far third close to the point but not affecting etched artwork near the hilt. The scabbard has surface scuffs and chips, but the leather is still sound and overall presentable (unlike many other examples of Russian swords of the period, the scabbard leather is original, not a replacement.) The brass parts of the hilt and fittings of the scabbard show a light age patina that adds character, no dents or nicks. The hardwood grip is very nicely preserved, free of chips or cracks, and shows only very minor wear. The chape (lower fitting) of the scabbard is missing the connecting wire, but it still adheres to the scabbard tightly.

Overall, this is a relatively well-preserved example of the iconic Russian cavalry officer sword of WW1 era. These are becoming increasingly difficult to find in anything like decent condition and with all the original parts included.

/A.N. Kulinskiy, Russian Edged Weapons, XVIII - XX C, Volume 1, pp. 155-156, fig. 58./