The Indian PATA and the mysterious MANOPLE

[Ian]

Jim,

Your pata seems a little unusual in orientation to me. The grip and forearm protection appear to be at a distinct angle to the orientation of the blade. If the blade tip pointed upward when held, it would appear to have been made for a left-handed person. If the tip pointed down, then a right-handed person. What do you think?

Also, the smiling moustachioed face on the guard is a representation that I have seen during my travels in Ghujarat (NW India). Perhaps it is more widely distributed also. The round face was depicted on a palace gate as the Sun with the face of a Rhajput warrior.

Ian.