Imperial Russian Cossack Officer's Award Shashka, Order of St. Anna "For Bravery", Alexander III, Zlatoust, c.1881-1894. An exceptional Imperial Russian Cossack officer?s award shashka of the Model 1881 type, dating to the reign of Emperor Alexander III. The curved steel blade bears the crowned "A III" Imperial cypher and the Imperial double-headed eagle above (Zlatoust Arms Factory), together with period inspection marks. The traditional guardless Cossack hilt features finely decorated brass mounts. The leather-covered wooden scabbard retains its brass fittings, the upper mount prominently displaying the red-enamel Cross of the Order of St. Anna beneath the Imperial crown and the inscription ("For Bravery"), identifying the shashka as an Anninsky award weapon for military valor. Complete with officer's sword knot. A rare and highly desirable Imperial Russian Anninsky award weapon of the Alexander III period, retaining its distinctive Order of St. Anna "For Bravery" insignia and Zlatoust-marked blade. Blade: 32.5 in. (82.6 cm) Overall: 38.5 in. (97.8 cm)