Pata Gauntlet Tigers head Sword
 

Nationality Indian
Overall Length 97.7 cm 38 ½“
Blade length 69.4 cm 27 3/8“
Blade widest point 3.5 cm 1 3/8”
Hilt widest point Gauntlet 28 cm 11” long 9.10 cm 4” wide

Marks, etc.: Etched floral and scroll decoration, including raised moustache, eyes, nose and teeth. On each side of the tigers face appears to be some Indian script.

General Description: This one is probably late 18th century, circa 1700, with 27 3/8 inch double edge watered blade. The gauntlet is made of brass shaped like a stylised Tigers’ head Etched floral and scroll decoration, including raised moustache, eyes, nose and teeth. It has a row of three brass rings running down each side with small pieces of brass attached, and is holding the blade in its mouth. On each side of the tigers face appears to be some Indian script. It has an iron strap hinged to the upper end that goes around the arm. The grip is at right angles to the blade.

Whilst I understand that the Pata is traditionally regarded as a Maratha warriors sword, according to Pant in his book “INDIAN ARMS AND ARMOUR Volume II” It should be pointed out that the Pata was used by Mohammedans, Sikhs and Rajputs also.

References:
ELGOOD, Robert HINDU ARMS AND RITUAL: ARMS AND ARMOUR FROM INDIA 1400-1865. Pp97 figure 8.59.
PANT, Gayatri Nath INDIAN ARMS AND ARMOUR Volume II (Swords and Daggers) pp 61 - 65

Whilst Rex and I are trying to move away from Indo-Persian weapons and concentrate on British Military, we have always had a soft spot for the Pata, and this is now number four in our collection. As they come up so infrequently for sale and often only warrant a passing comment in most reference books, I find them hard to date. From what I have read they appear to have been created during the Mughal period, and there use in warfare mostly restricted to the 17th century when the Marathas came into prominence. If anyone has any thoughts on the date of this one and what on earth the dangly bits and a Tigers head are supposed to represent we would be most interested. Also if you have other examples would you mind posting them?

We have three others and will post them if there is any interest.

Cheers Cathey and Rex

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES ONE TIGER BUT IT IS VERY SMALL AND WAS TOO GRAINY WHEN I RESIZED IT LARGE. THE LOOSE BITS WERE LIKELY THERE TO MAKE NOISE WHICH COULD BE FOR A DISTRACTION OR TO SCARE THE FOE. IF THERE IS WRITING OR SYMBOLS IT MAY ALSO SERVE AS SOME SORT OF PROTECTION OR CHARM OR PRAYER. MOST PATA I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN FOR SALE HAVE BEEN FAIRLY PLAIN EXAMPLES FOR USE BY WARRIORS PERHAPS FROM SOME ARSENALS IF THEY WERE STOCKED THERE IN THE PAST. I HAVE SEEN SOME FANCY EXAMPLES IN MUSEUM COLLECTIONS.