Results of a Comprehensive Study of Hellenistic Muscle Cuirasses from the South Ural Region

Articles

Dedyulkin A.V., Kayumov I.F., Meshcheryakov D.V., Popov Y.V., Postoev K.K. (2025). Rezul’taty kompleksnogo issledovanija jellinisticheskih muskul’nyh pancirej iz Juzhnogo Priural’ja [Results of a Comprehensive Study of Hellenistic Muscle Cuirasses from the South Ural Region]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 15, pp. 291—357. Dedyulkin A.V., Kayumov I.F., Meshcheryakov D.V., Popov Y.V., Postoev K.K. Abstract: This article presents new materials and results of a study of Hellenistic muscle cuirasses discovered in nomadic burials in the South Ural region. The armor originates from the necropoleis of Berdyanka V and Prokhorovka, the latter being eponymous for the Early Sarmatian culture. Newly identified fragments of a cuirass from the Prokhorovka necropolis are published here for the first time; previously, this armor was known only from archival photographs. Identical features in the neck opening and decorative edging suggest that the Prokhorovka cuirass and the armor from Berdyanka were produced in the same workshop. For the…

Indian armed ascetics, malla wrestlers, and vratyas: connecting traditions through the argument of arms complex

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Kurochkin A.Y. (2025). Indijskie vooruzhennye askety, borcy-malla i vrat’i: svjaz’ tradicij cherez argument kompleksa vooruzhenij [Indian armed ascetics, malla wrestlers, and vratyas: connecting traditions through the argument of arms complex]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 15, pp. 208—290. Kurochkin A.Y. Abstract: The article demonstrates the limitations of the existing approach to determining when the phenomenon of armed Indian asceticism first appeared in history. Attempts to explain it solely through the establishment of militarized divisions within existing sampradayas are motivated by the convenience of researching the well-documented period of the 16th-18th centuries. The article shows that armed Indian ascetics preferred extremely archaic types of weapons, even those not associated with religious symbolism: the design of their preferred daggers matches that of iron daggers from the 1st millennium AD. The author proves that the design of the double-edged dagger made from antelope horns and the traditions surrounding its use correspond to the…

Combat knives in Armoury Chamber in the 17th century

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Novosyolov V.R., Miloserdov D.Y.  (2025). Boevye «nozhi» v Oruzhejnoj palate XVII v. [Combat knives in Armoury Chamber in the 17th century]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 15, pp. 166—207. Novosyolov V.R., Miloserdov D.Y. Abstract: The article examines a group of knives which have been preserved in the Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin Museums as part of a collection of arms that has been kept in the royal arsenal since the 1680s. The authors attribute these artefacts according to their place and time of manufacture. The authors conclude that out of the four knives that have remained from the royal armoury, only one “saadak knife” can be considered, with some caution, a model of a Russian combat knife of the 17th century. All other artifacts originate from Southeast Asia, but they were kept in the active arsenal and were perceived not as overseas rarities, but as utilitarian items. Keywords: Armoury…

Terek Cossack Host and blades manufactured by the Zlatoust Arms Factory: history of orders from 1904 to 1917

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Talantov S.V. (2025). Terskoe kazach’e vojsko i klinki proizvodstva Zlatoustovskoj oruzhejnoj fabriki: istoriya zakazov 1904 – 1917 gg. [Terek Cossack Host and blades manufactured by the Zlatoust Arms Factory: history of orders from 1904 to 1917]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 15, pp. 74—165. Talantov S.V. Abstract: In 1904, samples of daggers and shashkas for the Caucasian Cossack troops were approved by the Emperor. This article examines archival documents containing information about orders for dagger and shashka blades of model 1904, manufactured by the Zlatoust Arms Factory for the Terek Cossack Host between 1905 and 1917. Particular attention is paid to orders placed during World War I. The article also examines the manufacture of handles, scabbards and sword belts for Zlatoust-made blades by private factories in the Terek oblast. The role of the Guzunov manufactory (Vladikavkaz) in supplying the Terek Cossacks with daggers was studied. Keywords: shashka blade of…

On the history of Kuban Cossack Host’s order for shashka blades from Zlatoust Arms Factory in 1869

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Talantov S.V. (2025). K istorii zakaza Kubanskim kazach’im vojskom shashechnyh klinkov na Zlatoustovskoj oruzhejnoj fabrike v 1869 g. [On the history of Kuban Cossack Host’s order for shashka blades from Zlatoust Arms Factory in 1869]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 15, pp. 53—73.   Talantov S.V. Abstract: The article examines the history of the Kuban Cossack Host’s order for a batch of shashka blades from Zlatoust Arms Factory in 1869. The research problematic is determined by the following circumstances: 1) the absence of any description of ordered blades’ appearance based on reliable sources, in previously published works dedicated to Cossack arms; 2) the absence of known items that can be attributed as “M1869 Kuban Cossack Host shashka blade”. Based on documents studied, the author managed to specify the appearance of the blades ordered by Kuban Cossack Host in 1869. Keywords: shashka, M1869 shashka blade, Kuban Cossack Host, Zlatoust arms factory,…

Armourers’ specialization in Tiflis (1633-1865)

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Dvalishvili L.B. (2025). Specializacija oruzhejnikov v Tiflise (1633-1865) [Armourers’ specialization in Tiflis (1633-1865)]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 15, pp. 12—52. Dvalishvili L.B. Abstract: Late feudal Tiflis was a major commercial and industrial centre in the region. Despite the fact that the city’s industrial and commercial potential was affected by circumstances related to periods of wartime, on the whole, even in the most difficult political conditions, Tiflis retained its role as a regional commercial and industrial centre, being connected by transit routes to various countries around the world, and played a key role in the development of the region’s economy. Transit routes passing through Tiflis and a large concentration of merchants contributed to the growth of the city’s population and the development of craft production. The development of craft industries led to their differentiation, both as a whole and within individual industries. Armourers specialised in manufacture of specific types of…

Katar of Hindustan: the dagger of tiger hunters (composition, structure and properties)

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Khaidakov K.S., Sukhanov D.A. (2024). Katar Indostana: kinzhal ohotnikov na tigra (sostav, struktura, svojstva) [Katar of Hindustan: the dagger of tiger hunters (composition, structure and properties)]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 14, pp. 140 — 187. Khaidakov K.S., Sukhanov D.A. Abstract: The weapon complex of Hindustan is represented by one of the most authentic types of H-handled push daggers: “katars” or, as they are called in India, “jamdhars”. Katars are a vivid demonstration of ethnic bladed weapons, which were originally used for hunting large predators and later, under the Mughal dynasties, were used as an integral part of the ruling elite’s traditional costume. Basing on chemical and microstructural analysis, the article describes presumed methods of production of ten Indian katar blades dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. At least two alleged technological solutions for artisanal production of katar-type daggers were identified in the studied samples. The oldest bloomery…

“… Murtaza-Ali Ogly”. (Concerning the origin of Chilla and Magomad Murtazalievs)

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Talantov S.V. (2024). «… Murtaza-Ali Ogly». (O proishozhdenii Chilly i Magomada Murtazalievyh) [“… Murtaza-Ali Ogly”. (Concerning the origin of Chilla and Magomad Murtazalievs)]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 14, pp. 55 — 77. Talantov S.V. Abstract: Museum and private collections contain kindjals and shashkas of 1880-1910’s with the Cyrillic inscription “CHILLA” that are attributed as items crafted by Chilla Murtazaliev’s workshop. In the late 20th century to early 21st century, a number of works on Caucasian arms stated that craftsman Chilla and his younger brother Magomad came from the Stariy Yurt village in the Groznenskiy county of the Terek region. This fact was based on oral sources and has not been critically analysed; however, its reliability is questioned by the author of this article. The research managed to identify documents which indicate that the Murtazalievs were natives of the Unty village in the Gunibskiy county of the Daghestan region.…

Concerning orders of arms of Tula production for the Caucasian Line Cossack Host ranks in the 1840’s

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Talantov S.V. (2024). O zakazah oruzhija tul’skogo proizvodstva dlja chinov Kavkazskogo linejnogo kazach’ego vojska v 1840-h gg. [Concerning orders of arms of Tula production for the Caucasian Line Cossack Host ranks in the 1840’s]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 14, pp. 78 — 139. Talantov S.V. Abstract: The question of Caucasian Cossacks’ possession of arms produced in Tula remained insufficiently studied for a long time. The article attempts to fill the existing gap. In this context, the author analyses a number of sources that allow to supplement and clarify previous ideas about the armament of Cossacks of the Caucasian Line Cossack Host. The article analyses the reasons that contributed to the spread of arms of Tula production in the Caucasus. The author’s research reveals documents containing information about orders from Tula merchants and arms manufacturers for cold and firearms for the ranks of the Caucasian Line Cossack Host and…

Tiflis armourer Khechatur

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Dvalishvili L.B. (2024). Tiflisskij oruzhejnik Hechatur [Tiflis armourer Khechatur]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 14, pp. 17 — 54. Dvalishvili L. B. Abstract: Early examples of Tiflis arms have always attracted attention of researchers and admirers of historical arms with their refinement, beauty and a high level of craftsmanship. Unfortunately, there is little information about craftsmen who produced this kind of arms. In the late 18th century and the early 19th century, in Tiflis lived and worked the highly skilled armourer Khechatur who had been considered a royal armourer since the time of Georgian kings. Although arms crafted by Khechatur are of exceptional quality, little is known about the master himself. Due to the lack of relevant materials, E. G. Astvatsaturyan also does not mention him in her famous monograph on Caucasian arms. This article is an attempt to gather various data on Khechatur which allows to shed light…

“H.I.M.’s Armourer Geurk”. Concerning the title of Geurk Eliarov

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Dvalishvili L.B. (2024). «E.I.V. Oruzhejnik Geurk». K voprosu o zvanii Geurka Jeliarova [“H.I.M.’s Armourer Geurk”. Concerning the title of Geurk Eliarov]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 14, pp. 4 — 16. Dvalishvili L. B. Abstract: The Eliarov armourers are most often remembered for the golden inscription on their blades: “H.I.M.’s Armourer Geurk” (His Imperial Majesty’s Armourer Geurk). The inscription hints that Geurk and his sons Karaman and Ephraim apparently held the title of imperial armourers, yet this fact has not been supported by official documentary evidence to date. The purpose of the article is to introduce several previously unknown sources that make it possible to establish the date of Geurk receiving the title of imperial armourer and to confirm that his sons also possessed this title after their father’s death. Keywords: Tiflis (Tbilisi), bulat steel, Geurk, Georgia, H.I.M.’s Armourer, imperial armourer, Eliarov, Eliazarov, Karaman. Download article in Russian

Private orders for kindjal and shashka blades of the Kuban Cossack Host from Zlatoust arms factory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

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Talantov S.V. (2024). Chastnye zakazy kinzhal’nyh i shashechnyh klinkov Kubanskogo kazach’ego vojska na Zlatoustovskoj oruzhejnoj fabrike v konce XIX – nachale XX veka [Private orders for kindjal and shashka blades of the Kuban Cossack Host from Zlatoust arms factory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 13, pp. 432 — 522. Talantov S.V. Abstract: The article attempts to study and analyze private orders for kindjal and shashka blades of the Kuban Cossack Host in 1888-1904. The term “private orders” refers to orders made not by the Military Headquarters of the Kuban Cossack Host and the Main Artillery Department, but by regiment commanders, atamans of divisions and stanitsa, and individuals – cossacks and officers of the Kuban Cossack Host, as well as owners of jewelry workshops and stores selling uniforms and equipment for cossacks. The temporal borders of the study are determined by the fact…

Arms of the North Caucasus. A critical view on established theories

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Khaidakov K.S. (2024). Oruzhie Severnogo Kavkaza, istorija, vzaimovlijanie. Kriticheskij vzgljad na ustojavshiesja teorii [Arms of the North Caucasus. A critical view on established theories]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 13, pp. 372 — 431. Khaidakov K.S. Abstract: The article deals with historical events which took place in the North Caucasus in the 13th-19th centuries and influenced the formation of the region’s arms complex. It analyzes such factors as the influence of large states, trade relations, borrowings, as well as the processes of independent evolution of various arms types. Both historical sources and studies by modern authors are presented. The study concludes that during different periods militarized societies of the North Caucasus adopted arms culture of other states: the Khazar Khaganate, the Golden Horde, Italy, Persia, Egypt, the Ottoman Porte, and the Russian Empire. At the same time, local arms production did not cover necessary needs both qualitatively or quantitatively. In…

Chemical composition of blades as an attributing feature for bulat steels of the Indo-Persian region of the 17th-19th centuries

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Khaidakov K.S., Sukhanov D.A. (2024). Himicheskij sostav klinkov kak atribucionnyj priznak bulatnyh stalej Indo-Persidskogo regiona XVI-XIX vekov [Chemical composition of blades as an attributing feature for bulat steels of the Indo-Persian region of the 17th-19th centuries]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 13, pp. 161 — 266. Khaidakov K.S., Sukhanov D.A. Abstract: The article is devoted to historical bulat blades of the Indo-Persian region. Based on a range of sources, the article reveals that comprehensive studies on historical bulat steels have been sporadic over the last hundred years due to an insufficient number of bulat samples suitable for experiments to determine patterns between steel composition, structure and properties. Attention is drawn to the fact that attribution of certain bulat blades from the collection of K.S. Khaidakov and D.A. Sukhanov raised doubts about their production time and their region of origin. Standard typological attributive features of oriental bulat blades were combined with…

From the history of Western Georgian filigree. Master Philippe “Philu” Dzadzamidze

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Dvalishvili L.B. (2024). Iz istorii zapadnogruzinskoj filigrani (Master Filipp «Philu» Dzadzamidze) [From the history of Western Georgian filigree. Master Philippe “Philu” Dzadzamidze]. Istoricheskoe oruzhievedenie [Weapons History Journal], № 13, pp. 82 — 160. Dvalishvili L.B. Abstract: The article examines a little-explored aspect of the Western Georgian tradition of filigree based on examples of arms decoration in this technique. It also briefly describes previously uncovered life and creative path of the goldsmith Philippe “Philu” Dzadzamidze whose original works are widely represented in museums and private collections. Despite the fact that filigree technique occurs in Georgia since the ancient period, modern weaponology has so far been confined to the consideration of Georgian items mainly of the 19th century, as it was from the middle of the 19th century when arms decorated with filigree became popular in Western Georgia. Such arms were made in different cities of Western Georgia, in particular in Kutaisi, Khoni,…