Willingness to defend the Fatherland, to stand in the way of the enemy - this is a sign of masculinity. The combat checker is just that symbol of the Cossack liberty, devotion to Russia and his family.
History of occurrence
The first documentary mention of a combat checker appeared at the turn of the sixteenth to seventeenth centuries. This edged weapon got its name from the Kabardino-Circassian word "sash-ho" (long knife).
Historians are sure that people invented such a long-blade chopping and piercing equipment much earlier. Archaeologists came across the details of this type of weapon, whose belonging dates back to the twelfth century. The most popular initially became the Cossack checkers of the Circassian type. Later, Don Cossacks created their own distinctive type of weapon and began to carry it constantly.
Triumphal spread
The nineteenth century brought a change in the position of knives. Officially, Cossack drafts were put into service in the Russian army. According to the charter, each soldier of the cavalry regiment in the mandatory configuration had such a military weapon. Police officers and gendarmes were also obligated by statute to wear checkers.
A combat Cossack checker was used in cavalry until the mid-twentieth century. But even the twenty-first century did not refuse to honor this symbol of masculinity. To this day, the ceremonial form of the Cossacks is unthinkable without the attribute of military pride.
Distinctive features of the Cossack drafts
Saber and Cossack saber are very similar to each other. A distinctive feature of the checkers are wooden scabbard, covered with leather, with one or two rings for the harness belts on the convex side. This weapon was worn on the shoulder harness with the blade back. The saber was worn on the belt, with the blade forward.
The Caucasian drafts had a two-blade slightly curved blade with a combat end and a handle with a bifurcated head. Such a hilt is considered a hallmark of checkers. Russian Cossack drafts differed from the Caucasian scabbard and hilt. The first army samples looked more like sabers and were slightly curved more.
Weapons
1881 year. Lieutenant General A.P. Gorlov carries out unification of edged weapons for all military branches. The model for the army blade was the Caucasian "spinning top", which proved itself in cutting. As a result of the reform, two types of drafts appeared: Dragoon and Cossack. Each species had varieties for soldiers and officers. For artillery men a shortened Dragoon checker was offered. Finally, Cossack drafts as distinctive marks of the lower ranks of the Cossack arms forces were regulated in 1904.
There are not so many differences between the models of 1881 and 1904. The earlier model is 6 millimeters longer (966 and 960 mm, respectively), the length of the blade is 20 mm longer (825 and 795), the width of the blade, on the contrary, is 3 mm shorter (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 military weapons required time and perseverance. Boys from an early age trained, trying to repeat the skills of fathers and older brothers. At first, sticks of similar size were used. From the age of ten they were given child models of blades. Real Cossack adolescents could get checkers in their hands at the age of sixteen-seventeen. Such a saber was bought, made to order, or inherited from his grandfather.
Learning skills have been complicated from training to training. For this, improvised means were used. First, you had to learn how to cut a stream of water without spraying. Then it was allowed to chop the vine, heads of cabbage. The training was carried out gradually moving from hitting stationary targets to cutting targets at full gallop.
The young Cossack in his life dreamed of having three checkers. The first - combat - he received, going to the service. Then he sought to get an officer checker. And the ultimate dream was a name checker, which was a symbol of merit to the motherland and recognition of their society.
Cases of creating “spellbound” checkers are not uncommon. They brought good luck, victory in all the turmoil of life. Cossacks sacredly believed this. Such drafts were passed down from generation to generation. If there was no one to pass, the weapons were broken over the coffin of the deceased last representative of the clan.
Award checkers
Rewarding for military merits with weapons has become a tradition in Russia in the 18th century. The award weapon was divided into two types: edged weapons for generals and officers, and bestowed for the Cossacks. Such weapons were decorated with gold or diamonds, complementing the image with an engraved inscription. For the inscription allocated a place on the hilt. The most common expression: "For courage."
Before World War I, golden weapons were canceled, equating them to the Order of St. George. The St. George’s weapon began to be called the decorated Cossack saber. The award photo became a family heirloom. In addition to St. George's weapons, they were awarded Anninsky Checkers. They were dedicated to St. Anne, daughter of Peter the Great, and were considered lower in rating.
Symbolism and meaning
An unusual weapon is a Cossack saber. It symbolizes fearlessness and strength, valor and fortitude. Firearms could not supplant the pride of the Cossack freemen.
Finding himself in a seemingly hopeless situation, the Cossack hoped for his strength and ingenuity. Meeting with the enemy face to face, made it possible to use real military weapons. With one finger, get a faithful friend from the sheath and decide the outcome of the battle with one blow. The real Cossack was sure that with a saber all the power of his family, the whole Russian Earth, came to his aid.
The checker demanded close attention and respect from his master. Care and cleaning of weapons were mandatory. Cossacks were allowed to attend church services along with their inalienable friend. It was even allowed to take out a little blade from the scabbard so that the weapon was cleaned along with the owner.
How to choose the right checker
In today's Russia, interest in the history of his family is increasing. Traditions are reborn. The descendants of the Cossacks want to have their own combat sword. If you had to earn it before, now you can buy it. You just need to take this matter seriously and choose a weapon on your own.
A checker should fit a person in size and weight. Sitting in a hand like a glove. Withstand the blow of the enemy and strike back. The presented samples of Cossack drafts must be held in hand, to hear the response. Check for mutual attraction. The gunsmith will customize the selected model for the future owner of the thing. Additionally, the opportunity to age the blade and handle is provided. Carry out engraving in full accordance with the desired original.
It’s important to understand: weapons are not a toy. It should be used only for good purposes.