Tipu Sultan's silver-mounted gun fetches 60,000 pounds at UK auction

The other highlight lot, a gold-encrusted sword and suspension belt ensemble believed to be one of Tipu Sultan's personal swords, attracted as many as 58 bids before being sold for 18,500 pounds.
A painting of Tipu Sultan used for representational purpose only.
A painting of Tipu Sultan used for representational purpose only.

LONDON: A collection of rare artefacts discovered by a couple after years of lying wrapped up in their attic in the English county of Berkshire and evaluated as items from Tipu Sultan's armoury was auctioned for around 107,000 pounds.

The highlight lot, a silver-mounted 20-bore flintlock gun and bayonet from the personal armoury of the last ruler of Mysore, proved hugely popular as it attracted 14 bids before going under the hammer for 60,000 pounds.

"Unlike other Tipu Sultan guns this one exhibits clear signs of having been badly damaged in its past rather than being taken directly from the rack after the fall of Seringapatam it appears to have been collected from the battlefield," the lot description notes.

The other highlight lot, a gold-encrusted sword and suspension belt ensemble believed to be one of Tipu Sultan's personal swords, attracted as many as 58 bids before being sold to the winning bidder for 18,500 pounds.

The two centrepieces formed part of a collection of eight items brought back by Major Thomas Hart of the East India Company after the Tiger of Mysore's defeat at Seringapatam in 1799.

Firangi with Tipoo Sahib label. (Photo | <a href=
Firangi with Tipoo Sahib label. (Photo | 

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