Dagestan dagger (Kubachi), silver mark 84, Niello silver, Imperial Russia, 1750-1917, very sharp. Length of dagger in scabbard: 16 inches = 40 cm; Length of dagger: 15 inches = 38 cm; Length of blade: 10.75 inches = 276 cm; Bladder is extremely sharp. Silver mark 84 with female profile to the right. Provenance: brought by Russian immigrants from Russia after 1917 Reference: Kubachi is small ancient settlement in the republic of Dagestan, which is situated on the southern border of Russia, in the Caucasus mountains. The area is rich in silver which was mined since early Greek times, hence the art of silversmith was developed and perfected in Kubachi. Especially known in Kubachi silver work is the art of producing and decorating arms and armor. Kubachi artisans have created sword and daggers for Russian nobility as well as to foreign rulers and high standing personalities, Kubachi made arms and armor are exhibited in the major world museums. Kindjals made in Kubachi, Degastan are famous for their very decorative values and especially known for the rich gold and silver inlay work. Here is a classic example: Off centered fullered blade of diamond cross section, Steel grip and scabbard very richly inlaid with dense silver work. Khanjali (Abkhaz: Аҩҽы/Кама; Adyghe: къамэ; Avar: Ханжар; Azerbaijani: Qəmə/xəncər; Chechen: шаьлта; Dargin: ханжал, Georgian: ხანჯალი; Ingush: шалта; Lezgin: Гапур; Ossetian: Хъама)[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] also known as a kindjal, is a double-edged dagger used in the Caucasus.[8][9] The shape of the weapon is similar to that of the ancient Roman gladius, the Scottish dirk and the ancient Greek xiphos.[10][11] Inhabitants of Caucasus have used the Kindjal as a secondary weapon since the 18th century. Such daggers and their scabbards are often highly engraved with gold or silver designs, and sometimes include embedded gemstones. The scabbard will generally feature a ballpoint extension on the tip, and the handle is usually made of materials such as wood or ivory.