Gauntlet sword: O.1-1879

Maker(s)

Blade maker: Unknown (Probably)
Hilt maker: Unknown

Entities

• Gauntlet sword
• Indian weapons
• pata

Categories

• Weapons

Description

The steel blade is straight and double edged, narrowing to a rounded point. It is probably European. The hilt is of gauntlet type, with a gutter-shaped cuff and a rounded hand defence, inside which is riveted a transverse grip. The blade is secured by long plain reinforces wit onion-shaped finials. At the end of the cuff is a loose curved bar attached to loops, to hold the forearm in place, and the side edges of the cuff are bordered by pierced studs, several retaining small loose rings. The cuff and hand are decorated with medial and edging applied bands of copper alloy, pierced with an edging of fleurs-de-lis, and on the hand defence with an applied face, eyes, eyebrows, nose and curly moustaches. The borders are applied with a mixture of iron, brass and copper rivets. The iron is bright and pitted and stained from earlier corrosion.

Notes

History note: From ‘Jounpore, AWP’, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh; Robert Taylor, MA

Legal notes

Given by Robert Taylor, MA

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1879) by Taylor, Robert, MA

Dating

Circa 1800 CE - 1879 CE

Note

This type of sword is unusual in that the hilt is formed as a gauntlet fitting over the lower arm making wrist movements impossible when fighting. It has a very characteristic face motifs with eyebrows, eyes, nose and curly moustaches.