THE HILT SERINGAPATAM, MYSORE, INDIA, CIRCA 1790; THE BLADE ENGLAND, 1788

This rare sword, associated with Tipu Sultan (r.1782-99), is one of a group each fitted with a captured English blade - here a 1788 pattern cavalry trooper’s. Swords of the group are all fitted with a cast bronze hilt with tiger’s head pommel, quillon terminals, langets and s knuckle-bow finial and are all decorated with bubris. For a fuller discussion on bubri and Tipu Sultan’s association with the tiger, please the text that precedes lot 100 in the current sale.

The blade is engraved with the crowned Royal Cipher of King George III. Tipu Sultan fought four wars against the British East India Company before he was defeated in 1799. The blade of this sword, and presumably the others of its type, were most likely trophies taken in previous battles with the British. There is certainly significance here in the captured English blade held in the jaw of tiger, demonstrating Tipu’s dominance over his enemy.

Similar swords to this are in the Royal Collection (RCIN 67216) and at Powis Castle (NT1180589). Another sword of this type was sold at Sotheby’s, 9^th October 2013, lot 249.