Decorated Russian officer's klych, St. Ann's weapon "For Bravery" Russian Empire, 1894-1917.

Decorated Russian officer's klych, St Ann's weapon "For Bravery" Russian Empire, 1894-1917. A uniquely rare sabre, crafted in the Caucasian style with silver fittings on the scabbard and hilt. Judging by known photographs from the early 20th century, such sabres were very popular among Cossack officers (including Don Cossacks), reminiscent of the weapons of their ancestors - the oriental sabres of the 17th-18th centuries. These sabres were also common among members of the highland aristocracy, as well as other Muslim peoples serving in the Russian Imperial Army. Such klychs are also often seen in photographs of officers of His Imperial Majesty's own convoy. Badge of St. Anna, 4th grade. Since 1859, it has been an award for senior officers (from warrant officer to captain). However, there are known cases during World War I when generals were also awarded it for exceptional personal bravery, especially if the recipient already held all the higher-ranking orders and did not have the St. Ann's weapon. Therefore, given the weapon's rich finish, it cannot be ruled out that it belonged to a high-ranking officer. The blade is slightly curved, with three fullers on each side. At the base of the blade, an etched image of the monogram of the last Russian Emperor, Nicholas II (1894-1917), is etched on one side and a floral composition on the other. The maker's name, A. SHABANOV, is etched beneath it. The hilt is made of silver leaf, covered with engraving and niello. A bronze ribbon bearing the inscription "For Bravery" is mounted on the lower part of the hilt. Above it are two holes from the former insignia of the Order of St. Anne, 4th Grade. An interesting feature of the ribbon's execution is the method of applying the inscription: the craftsman chose the most labor-intensive defense technique, carving a background around the letters with a chisel, then applied a guilloche effect in the form of longitudinal stripes and a canfared background at the ends. The pommel of the hilt is shaped like the head of a snow leopard, with a chain extending from its jaw, connecting to one end of the crossguard. The scabbard is wooden, covered in leather, with silver fittings decorated in a style identical to the hilt. The blade is in good condition, with minor scratches, traces of corrosion and sharpening, and minor damage to the leather of the scabbard. One end of the crossguard requires minor repairs. Length: approximately 95 cm.