>  In working tdebase patches, I note that one of the traditional 
>patch files to

I don't know what you mean by traditional patch files.

If you are still applying patches from years ago, then likely you 
will make a mess. :)

The only patches I apply these days are patches in the queue from 
the bugzilla or patches I create for testing. There are no more 
traditional patch files. Those days are long gone.

Check the git history for patches:

http://git.trinitydesktop.org/cgit/

You can narrow your search to specific cpp files.

If you find no evidence a patch was applied --- and that includes 
remembering to check against all of the renaming and rebranding, 
then check the bugzilla. There remain many open bug reports with 
patches that have not been merged into git.

When you check the bugzilla remember to use the ALL keyword to 
search closed and resolved reports too.

If you come up empty, then file a new report and attach the patch, 
updated for renaming.

Darrell