Russian/Dagestan, Kubachi, First Half of the 20th Century. The richly decorated silver-gilt hilt and scabbard are embellished with vibrant polychrome enamel, finely engraved and nielloed ornament, and carved bone medallions. The sculptural dog-head pommel and elaborate crossguard give the weapon a particularly striking character. Mounted with a strongly curved steel blade with multiple narrow fullers and a distinctive group of struck marks at the forte, including a crescent and star. The blade may predate the exceptionally elaborate Kubachi mounts. Overall length: approx. 36 in. Blade: approx. 29 in.