Half-Gauntlet Sword DANDPATTA

Known as a Gauntlet sword, a Patta or Elephant Sword, from India, 18th Century. A Dandpatta in its native Marathi. It originated in Medieval India, very effective weapon of infantryman against calvary, used with a shield or in pairs. This is a half-gauntlet with hand guard. Steel and iron. 48" Patta translates to leaf. Note corrosion, pitting, rust and hole on bottom of blade. Overall condition is good.

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.

All weapons in this collection have been thoroughly examined and researched to the best of our abilities. The majority are of the period, dynasties or reign, are used by the tribes or cultures and rarely for the commercial trade. If created for the tourist trade it will be clearly stated and in most cases obvious in terms of craftsmanship. This is a rare lifetime collection and pieces of this quality and amount are almost never found in one auction. These are not fakes or reproductions, except for the few decorative pieces which were most likely given as gifts to the original collector.

Please feel free to ask any question before bidding.

Notes: See pictures and notes.

$125 - $250

Good Condition with normal wear and tear

Militaria, Swords, Blades & Antique Firearms

18%

Jo Ellen Garzione | (860) 248-5052 | justjcandpets@gmail.com

Pickup Details

Private Residence

New Milford, CT 06776

When to Pickup

Friday, 3/7 through Sunday, 3/9, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm

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