An exceptional example of Kubachi silverwork, the grip of Persianate form, deeply chiseled and nielloed, and set with the crowned Order of Saint Anne, First Class with red enameled cross,and the reverse inscribed ZA KHREBROST (For Bravery) above the chiseled, nielloed guard set with the royal cypher of Tsar Nikolai II, H II. Inscribed on the reverse, WORK OF ABDALLA AKMAD 1895 together with an 84 silver mark. The broad, deeply curved blade likewise Daghestan workmanship, ground with a deep central fuller and back edge, and elaborately etched overall in Arabic calligraphy, inscribed in gold at the obverse forte WORK OF MISR 1112 (1700/01, a commemorative date) and at the reverse forte a name (untranslated) likewise in gold calligraphy. The leather-covered wooden scabbard with large silver mounts chiseled and nielloed en suite with the hilt, comprising a locket, suspension band and chape, the locket struck with an assayer’s mark AB 1894 and the silver purity mark 84 together with the town mark for Tiflis (Tbilisi.) Dated 1895. Tip of chape worn, leather scuffed. Overall length 98.7cm. Condition II