Rare Imperial Russian Model 1827 Pioneer/Artillery Short Sword (Tesak) – Dated 1831 w/ Matching Scabbard

An exceptionally rare, 100% historically correct Imperial Russian Model 1827 Short Sword produced during the reign of Emperor Nicholas I.

Forged in 1831 at the Zlatoust Arms Factory (Златоустовский Оружейный Завод), this short sword is an outstanding example of early 19th-century Russian imperial craftsmanship, issued during a period of massive military expansion and modernisation.

Unlike the saw-back engineering variants, this weapon features the historically accurate smooth-back profile, indicating specialised issue to Imperial Artillery crews, Naval detachments, or specialised garrison troops for camp utility and personal defence.

What truly elevates this particular piece into an elite collector category is the presence of its original, structurally matching scabbard.

The vast majority of surviving 19th-century Russian tesaks lost their scabbards to time or are found with mismatched pieces salvaged later.

Both the sword crossguard and the scabbard's brass throat feature the deeply struck, identical ВН Cyrillic monogram belonging to the same Zlatoust arsenal reception inspector.

This serves as undeniable proof that this sword and scabbard have remained together as a true matching set for nearly two centuries. 

The steel blade and solid brass furniture feature crisp, textbook serif-style imperial stamps:

• Blade Ricasso: Deeply stamped with І•З (Cyrillic factory initials for Zlatoust), the ordnance inspector monogram МФ, and the official imperial arch/crescent proof/test mark.
• Brass Crossguard: Deeply dated 1831, stamped with primary inspector mark ВН, and sub-inspector quality mark АК.
• Scabbard Throat: Stamped with the matching ВН inspector code flanked by factory alignment marks.

The massive falchion-style steel blade is structurally rock-solid with no cracks or structural chips.

It displays honest, uniform age-pitting and dark carbon graying appropriate for a 195-year-old combat weapon.

It has preserved its beautiful uncleaned historical patina.

The iconic ribbed solid-brass handle and crossguard are tight to the tang with zero wobble.

The brass shows a gorgeous, dark golden mellow patina with minor handling marks.

The original leather-wrapped wood scabbard body remains intact with stable stitching. The brass throat (with original frog stud) and the brass tip chape are firmly secured.

Sword length approx 28", Blade approx 21".

The photographs are of the actual item and form part of the description.

 Please examine the photographs carefully and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.