North Indian Sosun Pattah

Origin: India (Northern India)

Date: 19th century

Length: 90cm

Materials: Silver, pattern welded steel, steel, wood and leather

Reference: TSWNISP

Status: Available

A Sosun Pattah with a Damascus pattern welded blade and silver overlay hilt. 

THE SOSUN PATTAH

The Sosun Pattah, meaning ‘Lilly Leaf’, earns its name due to the elegant shape of the blade. The shape of the blade makes it unusual but perfectly suitable for slashing and cutting. The blade is believed to be influenced by the ancient ‘Kopis’ blades from Egypt and the Turkish ‘Yataghan’ and was most popular among the Jaipur and Rajput.

THIS EXAMPLE

The hilt is of typical form and dates to the 19th century - Made of iron, in a style popular during the Islamic period of India. The typical ‘talwar’ hilt is accompanied with its knuckle guard and two flaring quillons. The pommel is straight, which allows for a firm grip. The disc shaped pommel has a small dome and is attached with a lanyard ring (nath). There is a thick application of silver covering the entire hilt, which is approximately 70% remaining. The blade to hilt joint is tight (re-done at some point). The blade is pattern welded “damascus” steel, with a recent polish, showcasing its pattern consisting of a multitude of watery lines. This example features the ‘flowing water pattern’ which is quite unusual as in most cases the blades featured wootz rose or ladder. The blade is finished with a high polished shining cutting edge ending in the tip. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering, and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge.

The Sosun Pattah also comes with a new resting scabbard wrapped in blue velvet.  

CONCLUSION

Overall, this is a nice example of a Sosun Pattah, one of the most difficult swords to obtain on the current market. With a traditional hilt, with silver overlay, the sword exhibits real character. The pattern welded Damascus steel blade exhibits a nice watered steel pattern. The sword presents itself as an imposing piece with real warrior character.