A south Indian steel gauntlet-sword (pata), 18th century

the double-edged rapier-like blade gripped by a double forte with palmette terminal decorated with a narrow border of koftgari palmettes and quatrefoils, the gauntlet with foliate mounts and moulding, with two raised eyes surrounded by scrolling lotus bands of koftgari, the interior lined with stitched velvet, the steel grip secured by steel pins with flowerhead terminals, steel strap with bud terminals and traces of koftgari decoration, label inscribed with 'König/ Wilhelm II', the cloth-covered wood scabbard, with gilt thread bands around the chape and lock

König Wilhelm I, Württemberg
König Wilhelm II, Württemberg