A steel broadsword blade (palash) of the Russian Dragoons from the reign of Peter the Great, Solingen, 1711

the blade inscribed on one side with an Imperial eagle above 'Solingen' and 'Vivat Zaar Peter Alexeits 1711' on the other, modern turned wood grip with steel guard and pommel

The blade in excellent condition, with the engraving slightly worn and the edge with very small nicks, consistent with age. The turned wood handle and metal guard modern additions.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Following Major Adam Weyde's (1667-1720) recommendations in his Ordinance of 1698, the Imperial Russian armed forces underwent dramatic regularisation and Westernisation under Peter I. These measures were a significant influence upon the outcome of the Great Northern War of 1700-1721, which saw Russian impose its supremacy over the Swedish Empire. Over the course of the war, the Dragoon cavalry regiments would see particular expansion. Prince Boris Alexeevich Golitsyn (1654-1714) led the formation of these from veterans and by 1711 there were 33 regiments.  

The palash, a heavy straight cavalry sword with a wide blade, was an integral part of a Dragoon's armament. Fitted with blue coats, tricorn hats or kartoush field caps with square-toed riding boots, the men carried fusils without bayonets and a brace of pistols in addition to the weighty palash. Having previously been mocked by Western observers as an 'Asiatic horde' the Dragoons were tightly drilled, even being forbidden to shout 'Ura' in the charge lest there be a break of discipline. Their primary tactic was to overwhelm the opposition with a triple volley before retreating to reload or engaging with the palash. 

Furthermore, 1711 was a critical date in Russian military history. Sultan Ahmed III of the Ottoman Empire had been persuaded to join the war following a heavy Swedish defeat two years earlier. In May and April that year, the Tsar himself led the Russian forces against the Ottoman forces in the Pruth River campaign with the aim of crossing the Danube to liberate Orthodox peoples in the Balkan Peninsula. The Treaty of Pruth, reached in July that year after a Russian retreat, placed an official close on hostilities.