Cossack Dagger (Kama) Officer of the Black Sea Army

Main Information about the Item

Product Name	Non-Standard Cossack Dagger of the Black Sea Army, Silver
Date	19th Century (most likely the second half)
Manufacturer	Workshop of the Caucasus or Kuban. Characteristic Caucasian style of decoration.

Type of Weapon and Description

This item is a Caucasian type dagger-kama, which was adopted by the Cossack troops, specifically the Black Sea Cossack Army. The dagger is a non-standard model, meaning it was purchased by the officer at his own expense.

Blade is made of steel, double-edged, featuring a characteristic geometry with several pronounced grooves to enhance strength and reduce weight. The blade is distinguished by its high-quality finish. Stamps in the form of stylized images of the Sun and Moon are applied to the base of the blade.
Handle has the traditional kama shape, lacking a guard. It consists of a core, likely wrapped in leather and bound with wire. The pommel and ferrule (or sleeve) are made of silver. The silver parts are richly decorated with intricate floral and geometric patterns using blackening (niello) and engraving techniques.
Scabbard is wooden, covered with velvet and adorned with a richly decorated silver mount. The throat and tip of the scabbard are made of silver and reflect the style of the handle’s decoration. The Caucasian ornamentation with blackening emphasizes the owner’s high status.

Historical Context and Military Use

Cossack troops, especially those serving on the Caucasian line, such as the Black Sea Cossack Army (later the Kuban Army), actively adopted the armament and clothing styles of the mountain peoples. The dagger-kama became an essential element of their uniform.
Black Sea Army: This army was formed from former Zaporizhian Cossacks who were resettled to Kuban. They became a key force in the Caucasian Wars of the 19th century, where the dagger was used as an indispensable close combat weapon.
Non-Standard Weapons: Officers, enjoying certain privileges, often commissioned personal weapons from renowned Caucasian masters in centers like Tiflis or Kubachi. Such items were distinguished by higher quality, rich decoration, and the use of precious metals, serving as indicators of social status and personal valor of the officer.
Symbolism: The images of the Sun and Moon on the blade are ancient magical and protective symbols, common in the Caucasus, believed to safeguard the owner in battle.
This antique dagger is not merely a weapon; it is a tangible testament to the interaction of cultures and the high craftsmanship of Caucasian weapon makers, serving an officer of the Black Sea Cossack Army during a tumultuous historical period.

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