Sword from Afghanistan

I found this sword while I was serving in Qandahar Afghanistan in 2003. It has arabic writings on one side and chinese writing on the other. I have never been able to identify this sword and would appreciate any assistance any one may be able to give me in this endeavor. At the time a translator told me the arabic writing was a date, 1923 I think it was. I have photos of the sword just follow the link.

http://www.landlphotography.net/index5.htm

Thanks,
Bryan

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I have located a sword that looks similar to my sword. (w133. Russian Imperial officer's sword) If any one has any ideas of what sword this is or where I cold fined the info pleas let me know.

Thanks,

Bryan

Can't really help you with specifics but the style of sword is late European rather than local or traditional sword but somewhat Europeanized armies would adopt western style gear but with local inscriptions or decorations.

Decoration might be done locally ? Just speculation though and mostly just welcoming you to the site until someone with more useful knowledge post a reply. :D

( Sometimes it takes a few days before someone with the knowledge you are looking for comes across your question ).

Hi Bryan,

Interesting piece. It does appear to be have been made from a number of Russian M1841 Dragoon officer's sabers (and there later modified versions). It appears to be a composite with a rewrap grip. The blade appears to have been etched locally. On the blade you can see an etching of the Mazar-i-Sharif arsenal which is in Northern Afghanistan..The date is 1312 Hijri which converts to 1894 C.E.. The number 287 can also be seen. I have no idea of the other inscriptions which appear to all be Arabic.

Nice piece
Jeff

Hi,
This might not be a lot of help, but the characters on the outside of the ricasso appear to me to be in Tibetan or a related script, while those on the outside look vaguely like Bengali script. Needless to say I can read neither!
-Dan

Thank you all for the help. I will keep looking for the answers. The truth is out there.