Close X
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVT 
International

UK Family Finds Tipu Sultan's Gun, Sword In Attic

IANS, 07 Mar, 2019 10:39 PM

    A grand flintlock gun and gold-encrusted sword are among eight rare artefacts evaluated as items from Tipu Sultan's armoury discovered by a couple in their attic in the English county of Berkshire.

     

    The artefacts, brought back by Major Thomas Hart of the East India Company after the Tiger of Mysore's defeat at Seringapatam in 1799, are now set to go under the hammer at an auction later this month.


    The items were passed down generations and could fetch millions of pounds for the unnamed family in whose home it was discovered.


    "This is a very exciting discovery, made in an ordinary little home in Berkshire after lying wrapped up in an attic for 220 years," said Anthony Cribb, of Antony Cribb Ltd auctioneers who specialise in arms and armoury related sales.


    "The family is not motivated by money and sincerely hopes these items find their way back to India, maybe to a museum, for future generations to have access to it," he said.


    The auction house will put up all eight items for auction on March 26 as individual pieces, without any price estimates, due to the "special" nature of the discovery.


    Mr Cribb said it was impossible for him to put a price to any of the items and would rather let the market and buyers decide.


    The lots came to light in January this year when the couple contacted Anthony Cribb Ltd about a sword they had in their attic.


    After an evaluation, a gold "Haider" symbol found on the sword confirmed that the sword belonged to Haider Ali Khan -- Tipu Sultan's father. Three other swords bearing similar gold markings were found soon after, along with a bayonet and gun.


    "The gun is definitely the highlight as it not only bears the symbol of Tipu Sultan's armoury but is also battle-worn. There is a chance that this gun was among the weapons used by the ruler in his famous last stand against the British in the Anglo-Mysore battle," said Mr Cribb.


    An intricately designed Betel Nut Casket and a shield belonging to Tipu Sultan as well as a Gold East India Company Seal ring belonging to Major Thomas Hart will also go under the hammer.

     

    In 2014, a solid gold ring belonging to the 18th century ruler of Mysore had fetched 145,000 pounds at a Christie's auction in London and a collection of items associated with him sold at another auction for around 6 million pounds in 2016.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Pakistani Journalist CHAND NAWAB Goes Viral Again With 'Paan' Video

    Pakistani Journalist CHAND NAWAB Goes Viral Again With 'Paan' Video
    Twitter user Fazil Jamili shared the video on June 28 with the caption: Chand Nawab rocks yet again but this time not for “apno mein Eid manane”.

    Pakistani Journalist CHAND NAWAB Goes Viral Again With 'Paan' Video

    Restaurant in Thailand Goes Viral For Its Hunky Waiters in 'Sexy' Outfits

    Restaurant in Thailand Goes Viral For Its Hunky Waiters in 'Sexy' Outfits
    If you're looking for a way to get your restaurant business off the ground, this unique eatery in Bangkok, Thailand is proof that having a team of hot male waiters dress in skimpy female garb and scream like damsels in distress

    Restaurant in Thailand Goes Viral For Its Hunky Waiters in 'Sexy' Outfits

    WATCH: This 11-Year-Old Motivational Speaker Is An Internet Sensation In Pakistan

    WATCH: This 11-Year-Old Motivational Speaker Is An Internet Sensation In Pakistan
    Some people would argue that life experience is crucial to being a motivational speaker, but an 11-year-old kid from Pakistan is proving that all you really need is an inspirational speech and confidence.

    WATCH: This 11-Year-Old Motivational Speaker Is An Internet Sensation In Pakistan

    Indian Woman In US Separated From Differently-Abled 5-Yr-Old Son: Report

    An Indian woman, who is seeking asylum in the US after she illegally crossed into America from Mexico, has been separated from her five-year-old differently-abled son, a media report said on Friday.

    Indian Woman In US Separated From Differently-Abled 5-Yr-Old Son: Report

    She Didn't Appear Drunk: Indian-Origin Man In UK Faces Trial For Rape

    She Didn't Appear Drunk: Indian-Origin Man In UK Faces Trial For Rape
    The married 28-year-old is accused of carrying the woman over his shoulder after she was denied entry into a nightclub in central London

    She Didn't Appear Drunk: Indian-Origin Man In UK Faces Trial For Rape

    Pramila Jayapal Arrested For Protesting Against Trump’s Border Policy

    Pramila Jayapal Arrested For Protesting Against Trump’s Border Policy
    Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal was arrested along with 575 other women during a protest staged here against US President Donald Trump's border and immigration policy.

    Pramila Jayapal Arrested For Protesting Against Trump’s Border Policy