Real Cossack Checkers (photo)

Willingness to defend the Fatherland, to stand in the way of the enemy is a sign of masculinity. The fighting checker is just that symbol of Cossack freedom, devotion to Russia and his family.

History of occurrence

The first documentary mention of the battle-piece appeared at the turn of the sixteenth-seventeenth centuries. The name of this cold weapon was derived from the Kabardian-Circassian word "sash-ho" (long knife).

Historians are sure that people invented such a long-liner cutting-and-pricking equipment much earlier. Archeologists came across details of this type of weapons, belonging to the twelfth century. The most popular were originally Cossack checkers of the Circassian type. Later the Don Cossacks created their distinctive type of weapon and began to wear it constantly.

Triumphant spread

The nineteenth century brought changes in the position of cold steel. Officially, the Cossack checkers were put into service in the Russian army. According to the statute, every soldier of the cavalry regiment had such a weapon in the mandatory configuration . Policemen and gendarmes under the charter order also undertook to wear checkers.

The Cossack combat bat was used in cavalry until the middle of the twentieth century. But even the twenty-first century did not refuse to venerate this symbol of masculinity. Until today, the ceremonial form of the Cossacks is unthinkable without the attribute of military pride.

Distinctive features of the Cossack checkers

The saber and the Cossack checker are very similar to each other. A distinctive feature of the checkers are the wooden sheath, covered with leather, with one or two rings for the harness straps on the convex side. This weapon was worn on the shoulder sword with a blade back. The sword was worn at the waist, with a blade forward.

The Caucasian checkers had a double-edged slightly curved blade with a combat end and a handle with a bifurcated head. Such a hilt is considered a distinctive feature of the checker. Russian Cossack checkers differed from Caucasian scabbards and hilt. The first army samples were more like sabers and were slightly curved.

Varieties of weapons

1881 year. Lieutenant-General A.P. Gorlov carries out the unification of cold arms for all arms. The model for the army blade was the Caucasian "top", which proved itself in the felling. As a result of the reform, two types of checkers appeared: the dragoon and the Cossack. Each species had varieties for soldiers and officers. For the artillerymen, a shorter dragoon saber was offered. Finally, the Cossack checkers as distinctive signs of the lower ranks of the Cossack armies were regulated in 1904.

The differences between the models of 1881 and 1904 are not so many. The earlier model is longer by 6 millimeters (966 and 960 mm, respectively), the length of the blade is 20 mm larger (825 and 795), the width of the blade, on the contrary, is less by 3 mm (32 and 35). The total weight of the product remained unchanged-no more than 1.2 kilograms.

Traditions of the Cossacks

Mastering the skill of handling combat weapons required time and perseverance. Boys from an early age trained, trying to replicate the skills of fathers and older brothers. First they used similar sized sticks. For ten years they were given children's models of blades. Get the real cossack teenagers in their hands for sixteen to seventeen years. Such a sword was bought, made to order or inherited from his grandfather.

Methods of teaching mastery have become more complicated from training to training. To do this, they used improvised means. At first it was necessary to learn how to cut a stream of water without splashing. Then it was allowed to cut the vine, cabbage heads. Training was carried out gradually moving from the defeat of fixed targets to the cutting of targets at full gallop.

A young Cossack in his life dreamed of having three checkers. The first - combat - he received, going to the service. Then he tried to get an officer's checker. And the limit of dreams was a personal checker, which was a symbol of merit before the Motherland and recognition of their society.

It is not uncommon to create "conspiracy" checkers. They brought good luck, a victory in all life's troubles. The Cossacks firmly believed this. These checkers were passed on from generation to generation. If there was no one to transfer, then the weapons were broken over the grave of the deceased last representative of the family.

Award Drafts

Awarding for military service with weapons became a tradition in Russia in the XVIII century. The award weapon was divided into two types: cold steel for generals and officers and paid for the Cossacks. Decorated with gold or diamonds, complementing the image engraved with the inscription. For the inscription was allocated a place on the hilt. The most common expression: "For courage".

Before the First World War, the gold weapon was canceled, equating it with the Order of St. George. St. George's weapon was the decorated Cossack checker. The photo with the received award became a family heirloom. In addition to St. George's weapons were awarded Anninsky checkers. They were dedicated to St. Anne, the daughter of Peter the Great, and were considered lower in rating.

Symbolism and meaning

Unusual weapons - a checker Cossack. It symbolizes fearlessness and strength, valor and strength of spirit. The firearm could not supersede the pride of the Cossack freemen.

Once in a seemingly desperate situation, the Cossack hoped for his strength and ingenuity. Meeting with the enemy face to face, gave the opportunity to use real military weapons. One finger to get from the scabbard of a loyal friend and decide the outcome of the battle with one blow. The real Cossack was sure that with the saber all the strength of his family, the whole of the Russian land, came to his aid.

Shashka demanded that his master pay close attention and respectful attitude. Care and cleaning weapons were mandatory. Cossacks were allowed to attend service in the church together with their inalienable friend. It was even allowed to take out a little blade from the scabbard so that the weapon would be cleaned with the owner.

How to choose the right piece

In today's Russia, interest in the history of his family is increasing. Traditions are revived. The descendants of the Cossacks want to have their own fighting saber. If you had to earn it before, you can buy it now. You just need to approach this case seriously and choose a weapon by yourself.

The checker should fit a person in size and weight. Sitting in his hand like a glove. To withstand the blow of the enemy and to strike back. Presented samples of Cossack checkers should be held in hand, hear a response. Check for mutual attraction. The gunsmith will fit the chosen model to the future owner of the thing. In addition, the opportunity to grow old a blade and a handle. Carry out engraving in full accordance with the desired original.

It is important to understand: weapons are not toys. It should be used only for good purposes.