This fine Shashqa sword originates from the Caucasus, probably from Degasthan. It eas purchased in Jerusalem in 1918 and was in a private collection in the USA since than. The fine blade is 31 inches long, etched in Cyrillic letters: Weapons Factory of Osman Omarov. The maker name, Osman is also stamped on the other side of the blade between two eagles. The handle is carved from a single massive piece of walrus ivory. The scabbard is wood covered with black leather (recent) and mounted with gold inlaid steel fittings. Total length 37 ¨ö inches. Good condition. The lower part of the blade is blackened and with minor pitted spots. The walrus handle is probably a very early replacement, before the sword was collected in 1918. and the blade was slightly reshaped to accept the handle. The scabbard tip is pitted and most of its gold inlay is gone. A very fine piece.