Swords - Antique Swords

The Maratha Pata or gauntlet sword is believed to have been used by expert swordsmen and uniquely suited to horsemen. The steel gauntlet covers the hand, wrist, and some of the forearm. The sword is held by employing two mechanisms within the gauntlet - the hand is inserted into the gauntlet past a serpentine floating metal cross-bar, up to the mid-forearm (between the wrist and elbow), then grasping a floating metal pipe surrounding a rigid center cross-bar, the hand making a fist around the floating pipe. The flex of the forearm muscle and the grip of the hand make this fit very snug. Padding would have originally been lining the inner gauntlet and perhaps a glove was also worn. This sword becomes an effective extension of the arm. Blade is quite fexible and it is believed they are like this as to bend or give when striking a more solid object, minimizing the possibility of unhorseing the rider wielding the sword.
This Pata most likely dates from the 17th or 18th century. Overall length is ~50"; blade length is ~38".
NOTE: No scabbard included with this sword.
Good condition. One rivet is detached on the forward end of the blade seatings or langets. Wear hole in upper section of wrist ~1" x 1/2".

The Maratha Pata or gauntlet sword is believed to have been used by expert swordsmen and uniquely suited to horsemen. The steel gauntlet covers the hand, wrist, and some of the forearm. The sword is held by employing two mechanisms within the gauntlet - the hand is inserted into the gauntlet past a serpentine floating metal cross-bar, up to the mid-forearm (between the wrist and elbow), then grasping a floating metal pipe surrounding a rigid center cross-bar, the hand making a fist around the floating pipe. The flex of the forearm muscle and the grip of the hand make this fit very snug. Padding would have originally been lining the inner gauntlet and perhaps a glove was also worn. This sword becomes an effective extension of the arm. Blade is quite fexible and it is believed they are like this as to bend or give when striking a more solid object, minimizing the possibility of unhorseing the rider wielding the sword.
This Pata most likely dates from the 17th or 18th century. Overall length is ~55"; blade length is ~41".
NOTE: No scabbard included with this sword.
Good condition.

This is a Mexican Cavalry Trooper's Saber in the style of English and German swords of the period with folding inner half-clamshell (to reduce chafing). Mexican "Liberty Cap" over Mexican Eagle with snake in beak in cast relief on counter-guard. Iron guard with three outer branches connecting to one inner "D" guard. Wood grip with double-stranded twisted brass wire in grooves.
Pipe-backed, single-edge blade is ~31-1/2" in length. Overall length in scabbard is ~39-1/2"; overall length out of scabbard is ~37". Blade is stamped near ricasso with an unknown hallmark over "MEXICO".
Overall condition is about fair with various dents and dings in scabbard (typical of these swords having seen hard usage), ~50% of black enamel on scabbard remains; ~1/2" chip missing from grip at pommel, right side. Blade appears unsharpened; dark oxide overall.

This is a Mexican Cavalry Trooper's Saber in the style of the French 1822 and the US Model 1840 cavalry sabers. These styles were used in Mexico from the 1820s to the 1870s. Mexican "Liberty Cap" with rays of sun logo over "R M" on one side of ricasso; on the other, "A.C" over "MEXICO".
Overall length in scabbard is ~42"; overall length out of scabbard is ~38-3/4"; blade length is ~33-1/2".
Field brown scabbard has what appears to be an "AC" stamp on drag.
Leather-wrapped grip over wood; three-branch guard. Stamped into the pommel are the numbers "1" and "2" followed by another character not determined at this time.
Overall condition is about good with various dents and dings in the hilt and scabbard (typical of these swords having seen hard usage). Blade appears unsharpened.

Militia sword believed circa 1850s-1890s. These were carried by Militia sergeants and also by various fraternal organizations. Fluted bone grip, brass furniture. Oval style blade in cross-section, ~27-1/4" in length, unfullered; blade is nickel plated. Overall length in scabbard is ~35-1/4"; overall length out of scabbard is ~33-1/2". Unknown maker.
Hilt is slightly loose but could be tightened; backside langet is slightly bent and hole has been drilled through this location, through the backside of scabbard, and partially into blade as if something was to be inserted to secure the blade in the scabbard (see images); some red leather is missing from the scabbard but metal body underneath is intact; otherwise condition is about fair overall.

Militia sword believed circa 1850s-1890s. These were carried by Militia sergeants and also by various fraternal organizations. Fluted bone grip, brass furniture. Oval style blade in cross-section, ~28-1/4" in length, unfullered; blade is nickel plated. Overall length out of scabbard is ~34-1/2". Unknown maker.
Hilt is tight; some of the scabbard body and red leather is missing, perhaps about eight inches from where the drag end would be; otherwise condition is about fair to good overall.