Early Circassian work, the hilt and suspension band wrought of silver, finely engraved and nielloed in characteristic motifs on a zigzag-matted ground and gilded. The guard signed by the maker, WORK OF ASLAN BEK SON OF MOK. The wooden scabbard with later velvet covering and chape. The lightly curved and fullered heirloom blade handwrought and well-balanced, with panels of worn etched decoration at the forte on either side. First half of the 19th century. Rubbing to hilt and suspension, scabbard wood with losses, velvet and chape replaced. Similar examples belonging to the Caucasian Collection of the State Historical Museum, Moscow, appear in E.G. Astvatsaturian, Weapons of the Caucasian Peoples, St. Petersburg, Atlant Publishers, 2016, p. 89, figs.1-3 and passim in paintings by Prince G.G. Gagarin. Overall length 92.7cm/ 36.5”. Condition III