Curved triple fullered brilliant blade, nickel-plated steel scabbard. Overall length in scabbard is 39 1/4" (approx. 99.5 cm); length of the blade is 32" (81 cm). Nickel-plated steel hilt strap is cast with florals. The grip is in bright golden yellow, glossy Bakelite, beautifully age toned. The cap piece of the hilt features floral motif and superimposed star with hammer and sickle emblem. The pommel has the engraved inscription "CCCP" surrounded by a wreath.

The sword is in excellent condition throughout. The factory sharpened blade is very bright and in excellent condition, showing no scratches, pitting or notches; it is almost completely free even of the usual in-and-out wear. The scabbard is near mint, with essentially spotless finish and only a few very light scratches that are noticeable only at close inspection. There are no dents whatsoever. Original leather bumper is present.

The throat of the scabbard retains both screws (these are often missing on other surviving examples of this weapon). There is a small chip to the Bakelite grip where it meets the upper metal fitting of the hilt, but the grip is otherwise perfect and sound, free of rubbing or fractures. The blade is stiff when sitting in its scabbard and requires a significant effort to pull it out the first few inches (it is really the only flaw worthy of notice of this otherwise essentially perfect example); however, when the initial resistance is overcome, it slides in and out rather effortlessly.

Adopted in 1940 for all general ranks in the Infantry, Artillery and Cavalry, this spectacular shashka replaced the 1927 model. In 1945, it took the spotlight when it was brandished by top Soviet military leadership marching in the Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square. The sword remained in use through the late 1990s, mostly carried by general ranks heading parade formations and occasionally, by heads of honor guard details. Judging by the artwork and other details of the example offered here, it is certainly of wartime manufacture, most likely from the 1943-45 period.

/A. Kulinskiy, Russian Edged Weapons , C. 2005, Page 416, Fig. 294; Webster and Nelson, Uniforms of the Soviet Union , Page 255, top/.