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Originally Posted by fernando
Hi Emannuel,
Difficult to precise a date, as mottos are sometimes in fashion for long periods.
PUGNO PRO PATRIA, as know, is latin for (I) FIGHT FOR (THE) MOTHERLAND.
It started being inscribed in Portugal in the second half XVII century, assumedly an allegory to the restoration of Portuguese independence.
As traditionaly several or most pata blades were of Portuguese origin, we can conclude this one is Portuguese and most probably from such late XVII or, in alternative, from the XVIII century.
Also not a bad idea to try and find further little marks in the end or beginning of the text, being symbols of the time period or from the blade smith.
You should however consider that i am no expert; all my coments are just a guess made by my limited knowledge.
Other more qualified members will know better.
Fernando
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You are far too humble my friend! Your expertise shows through in your gently placed comments, and I think your assessment is exactly right. If I understand correctly, the very term 'firangi/phirangi' is more literally derived from the meaning 'Portuguese' as described in India. I am not with notes or references at the moment, but as I recall the Mahrattas, with whom these patas are believed to have originated, maintained key trade activity with the Portuguese on western coasts of India.
The use of the pata seems to be essentially a slashing action weapon, which also seems to have evolved out of the transverse grip katar. While these are typically considered armour piercing 'punch' daggers, they are actually from the slashing type forms (which are thrust also) used by Mahrattas.
These pata are were used (I believe some still are) in martial arts oriented performances in places in India, used in pairs. I am inclined to believe that these would not be mounted with valued heirloom blades though.
I would presume the simpler, undecorated forms to be combat weapons perhaps, and likely refurbished blades which remained in use for many generations,, where valued blades, such as this were handed down.
All best regards,
Jim