In UK, sword of freedom fighter Tipu sells for GBP 100,800

NT Bureau, Agencies

London: A gem-set and enamelled sword, believed to be from the armoury of 18th century Mysore king Tipu Sultan, has gone under the hammer for GBP 100,800 at a sale at Christie's auction house in London.

The Art of the Islamic and Indian World sale on Thursday also had a more intricately designed sword belonging to the legendary ruler up for auction but it failed to fetch bids within the asking price of GBP 1,500,000-2,000,000 and remained unsold.

However, the buyers' names were kept confidential. The set of swords, previously unrecorded, come from the collection of Charles, the 1st Marquess and 2nd Earl Cornwallis, a central figure in the consolidation of British authority in India after the death of Tipu Sultan at the fall of Seringapatam (Srirangapatna) in 1799.

The proceeds from the auction of the swords are intended for repairs to the family's Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall, south-west England.

“These swords previously belonged to Tipu Sultan and have been passed down through the Eliot family since they were presented to Charles, 1st Marquess Cornwallis and 2nd Earl Cornwallis KG PC (1738- 1805) in the late 18th century, ” said a spokesperson for the Port Eliot Estate.

A third sword with Tipu Sultan's famous tiger symbol associated with his moniker as the Tiger of Mysore and an English blade, which was priced between GBP 60,000 and 80,000, also went unsold as it failed to fetch its guide price at the auction.

“It is a real pleasure to bring to the market this exceptional sword, a weapon of spectacular craftsmanship that was clearly seen as one of the most important of Tipu's swords after the fall of Seringapatam,” said Sara Plumbly, Head of Department, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds.

The sale is followed by another India-focussed auction at Christie's in London on Friday, entitled ‘An Eye Enchanted: Indian Paintings from the Collection of Toby Falk' and featuring 150 paintings.