**Originally Listed At $1200**

Central Asia, India, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A beautiful example of a hammered steel pata, a lengthy sword blade attached to the front of a half-gauntlet hilt. The domed hand guard houses a horizontal bar which the wielder grabs once their arm is inside of the outer forearm ring. The top of the gauntlet is etched with fine circular motifs, peripheral scalloping, and linear motifs near the wrist and knuckles. Projecting from the fist is an intimidating, double-edged sword blade with a spade-shaped rivet plate on the shoulder, sharpened edges, and a tapered point. Fine patina has formed across the entire weapon and makes for an exquisite presentation. Size: 4.125" W x 47.8" H (10.5 cm x 121.4 cm).

The pata is truly a weapon of unusual form but devastating efficiency. According to author and ancient weapons expert Harvey J. Withers, "In order to wield the sword effectively, the wearer gripped a concealed cross bar inside the gauntlet . . . [and] The extended grip provided by the encasing of the forearm also allowed the user a very powerful, sweeping blow. Some warriors chose to carry a pata on each hand and would adopt the stance of a whirling windmill as they attacked swathes of infantry or even armoured cavalry." (Withers, Harvey J. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabers." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 94)

For a strikingly similar example of a pata, please see: Withers, Harvey J.S. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabers." Lorenz Books, London, 2010, p. 228, top example.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; ex-Joe Salter collection, Amherst, New Hampshire, USA

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#149745

Slight bending to overall form of blade and gauntlet, with fading to some finer incised details, and minor abrasions to blade, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice patina throughout.