One of the more intriguing historical pieces that we have encountered in recent years.
This fine example measures 47cms long in its sheath, just under 43cms out, and has a blade length of 30.5cms
We are yet to fully unravel the exact history of this piece and present it here for both sale and insights should any reader be able to piece more of these unique elements together.
There is a lot to consider with the Kindjal, the beautifully engraved personal dedication with the reference of from "Br" (brother),
along with the silver chape engraved with the classic flaming grenade of the Fusilier regiments.
At face value the Kindjal is a classic Transcaucasian type, and as the blade type shows, is of the mid-19th century.
Pages 72/73 of the Russian Published, Arms of the Caucasus in Private Collections, past and present show a Kindjal clearly as being made of the same hand as this example.
The example presented in this work notes the maker as "Made by Daoud".
The notable similarities are in the material choice for the hilt and that it shares the exact same rosettes that pin the blade to the hilt, along with the same chape shape,
a rosette type that could be unique to this maker as we have not seen this aspect elsewhere over the years.
Whilst much remains a mystery as to how this friendship dedication and presentation came to be, the classic Fusilier flaming grenade above stylised plumage could point to the 23rd Regiment campaign in the Crimea,
and the dedication is certainly of the period and hand carved as can be seen under magnification.
The brother reference within the script could very much be pointing to the well-established Masonic fraternities that were at this time present within Russia, UK and many other countries,
which may have been the bond that drew men from opposing cultures.
A notable piece of history worthy of further research. With access to military, and or Masonic records, one could be able to bring to light a most interesting history.