Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Imperial Russian Model 1907 “Bebut” artillery kindjal short sword dated 1917 and complete with its brass fitted leather covered wooden scabbard. Issued during the final year of Imperial rule, this example dates from one of the most turbulent periods in Russian history, encompassing the final stages of Russia’s participation in WWI and the revolutions of 1917.

The term kindjal, translated from the Russian word Кинжал, refers to a double edged dagger or short sword, often featuring a single offset fuller on each face of the blade. Weapons of this general form have a long history in Georgia and throughout the Caucasus and share certain characteristics with the ancient Greek xiphos, Roman gladius, and Scottish dirk.

The Imperial Russian Model 1907 Bebut was larger than many traditional 19th century Caucasian kindjals and was adopted as a military sidearm. Its compact dimensions made it easier to carry than a full length sword while still providing a substantial double edged blade. This general style was also closely associated with Cossack and southern Russian military traditions.

The weapon measures approximately 23 1/4 inches in overall length and has a 17 inch curved, double edged blade. The ricasso bears an Imperial Russian double headed eagle proof surrounded by Cyrillic lettering believed to identify the arsenal or factory of manufacture, although the lettering is too indistinct for us to read completely. Beside the marking is the date:

1917г.

The Cyrillic letter г. is an abbreviation for год, meaning “year.” The opposite side of the ricasso is stamped:

A A

The blade remains in good overall condition, with portions of the original factory grinding marks still visible. It exhibits extensive oxidation and pitting, some of which appears to have been cleaned. The edges remain quite sharp and show only a few small nicks.

The grip is of traditional construction, with shaped wooden scales secured by two large dome headed rivets. The brass crossguard remains intact without splitting. Much of the original brown factory finish is still present on the grip area, which shows comparatively little evidence of handling or use.

The accompanying scabbard has a wooden core covered in leather and fitted with brass mounts. It remains in good overall condition but no longer retains a belt frog. The leather covering shows scattered wear and areas of material loss, although the damage is not extensive.

The 1917 production date places this Bebut at the end of the Imperial Russian period. While it may have been issued during WWI or the upheaval that followed, no individual service history accompanies the weapon. The Russian monarchy was overthrown during the February Revolution of 1917, followed later that year by the Bolshevik seizure of power during the October Revolution. These events led directly into the Russian Civil War, during which Imperial weapons remained in use among a wide variety of Red, White, nationalist, and regional forces.

The Russian Civil War developed into a complex struggle involving the Bolshevik Red Army, the loosely aligned White armies, regional independence movements, anarchist forces, foreign intervention troops, and numerous local factions. Fighting continued across much of the former Russian Empire into the early 1920s, and in some regions armed resistance lasted even longer. Military equipment produced during the final Imperial year frequently remained in circulation throughout this chaotic period.

With its clearly visible 1917 date, Imperial eagle proof, substantial double edged blade, original grip, and accompanying scabbard, this is a desirable late Imperial Russian edged weapon from the transition between WWI, revolution, and civil war.

Specifications:

Overall length: 23 1/4 inches
Blade length: 17 inches
Blade style: Curved double edged kindjal
Scabbard length: 19 inches