Among the many combatants of the 1st World War, it was the Russian soldiers who had access to the most varied types of bladed weapons. Most of them were privately procured but there are some with which the government supplied to its soldiers, particularly to its high ranking officers and public officials. It would be interesting to note that many of the these so-called Russian swords were actually created (or inspired) by Middle Eastern designs and patterns such as the sabers with Turkish style hilts and scabbard designs.

   Some of the more noteworthy World War I Russian Swords have survived the battles of Mother Russia and are now being sold as collectors’ items both online and offline.

The most common of all World War I Russian Swords being auctioned off in the World Wide Web is the shashka. The shaskha looks pretty like a cross between a guardless sword and a full saber. This single edged, single handed sword has a slight curve around its midsection and is distinctly identified by its curved pommel handle. The most valuable shashkas so far are those that have high ornamentations on the hilts. These ornamentations usually give a clue as to the prior owners of the blades. Naturally, the higher the ranking of the former owner, the more valuable the shashka becomes.

   Other shashkas become unique by the “additions” found in several blade pieces. Some have been found with accompanying bayonets. Others are paired with folding swords. And then there are others still that are marked by whatever accomplishment that the former owner achieved. Engravings are common among the more valuable pieces.

 

Original WW1 Russian Swords and sword parts are available here for your collection at discount prices. These are some of the hardest swords to find and will add to your great sword or war collection. Shop for your original Russian WWI swords at Swords of the Ages.