A steel and silver-gilt long-bladed gauntlet sword (pata), Southern India, late 17th century

the gauntlet, chiselled, pierced and silvered with raised floral scrolls divided into zones by high-relief chevron-pattern and beaded borders, the grip beneath the knuckle-guard consisting of an iron bar at right angles to the long, tapering, double-edged European steel blade, a metal wrist strap or loop with bud finials holds the lower arm securely in the gauntlet, the firangi blade engraved with letters HDAP SMOV (?), with modern display stand

pitting and patination, warty corrosion on iron gauntlet with associated loss of silvering, overall fair condition, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A similar pata in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, (acc. no.36.25.1565) is dated by Elgood to the late 17th century (Elgood 2004, p.98, no.8.62). A further related example attributed to "Southern India" is in the National Museum, Copenhagen (acc. no. D.866), see Rawson 1967, p.89, no.32.

The word firangi or franj is derived from the European "Frank" and had been used in the Muslim world since the medieval period as a blanket term to denote all Europeans regardless of their nationality.  However, in India from the sixteenth century onwards, the term had deviated from its original meaning into a reference to anything "foreign", whether man or object.  In this case the term refers to sword blades, either imported from Europe (Italy, Portugal or Germany) or made in India in the European style. Father Monserrate notes in his journal that the emperor Akbar was very fond of carrying European straight-bladed swords and daggers (Elgood 2004, p.245).