The Indian PATA and the mysterious MANOPLE

[Jim McDougall]

Returning to the example pata of the original post. This example was acquired from a well known dealer, collector who was a most unusual character, and his acquired holdings and holding were almost legendary in the arms circles of the times nearly 50 years ago.

I knew little in those days on Indian swords, but this thing was compelling!
In ensuing years I learned more of course, but knew this humble example paled next to the amazing examples I saw posted through the years.

However, in looking at it now, through very different eyes, with at least nominally more knowledge, I realize there is far more to this weapon than I had previously realized.
It appears to me that the blade is European, most likely German (Solingen) and of early to mid 18th c. Though the triple central fullers remind me of the familiar broadsword blades found in Sudanese kaskaras of the 19th c. We know that huge volumes of these blades from Germany were coming into the North African sphere from 1830s onward. It is believed that many were actually produced by Solingen later in the 19th specifically to the markets in Sudan.

With this blade however, I once thought it was in fact a kaskara blade, which had somehow ended up in a traditional pata type hilt later in 19th c. likely for ceremonial martial arts ritual and performance by Maratha men.
After seeing this sword again after many years, I think this was likely a German blade which ended up in probably an Indian firangi at some point in the 18th c. I could not see why a well worn kaskara blade would end up in India, also the central fuller extends virtually the full length of the blade. While obviously some kaskaras have this, these seem typically European.

It seems by the irregular edges of the blade, well worn by vigorous sharpening by individuals using stones rather than sharpening properly by armorers with proper equipment. IMO this suggests actual use in the native element and over considerable time. The astral symbols, typically sun, moon, star etc were at the forte, only traces can be seen, mostly obscured by the bolsters riveted to the blade.