Close X
Tuesday, October 1, 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

    Canadian Soccer Star Cyle Larin Arrested For Drunk Driving In Florida

    Canadian Soccer Star Cyle Larin Arrested For Drunk Driving In Florida
    Canadian international Cyle Larin, a young MLS forward seen destined for European soccer glory, instead found himself in jail Thursday after being arrested on a drunk-driving charge.

    Canadian Soccer Star Cyle Larin Arrested For Drunk Driving In Florida

    79 Indians Invited To France As Language Assistants

    79 Indians Invited To France As Language Assistants
    A total of 79 Indian students have been selected for the French Education Ministry's English Language Assistants programme that will see participation of 60 countries.

    79 Indians Invited To France As Language Assistants

    European Parliament Condemns Human Rights Situation In Pakistan

    The European Parliament on Thursday debated and adopted a resolution condemning the human rights situation in Pakistan, as well as slamming Islamabad for breaching international law by not allowing consular access to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav

    European Parliament Condemns Human Rights Situation In Pakistan

    Indian-American Man Rishi Shah Who Quit His Job 10 Years Back, Is Now Chicago's New Billionaire

    Indian-American Man Rishi Shah Who Quit His Job 10 Years Back, Is Now Chicago's New Billionaire
    Meet Chicago's latest tech billionaire, Rishi Shah. The self-made man quit his job ten years back to become an entrepreneur and finally, he has landed and how!

    Indian-American Man Rishi Shah Who Quit His Job 10 Years Back, Is Now Chicago's New Billionaire

    London Fire Aftermath: Sikh Community Helps Deadly Blaze Survivors - WATCH

    London Fire Aftermath: Sikh Community Helps Deadly Blaze Survivors - WATCH
    Sikh Community In London Opens Its Doors To Survivors Of The Deadly Grenfell Tower Fire That Has Left Hundreds Homeless

    London Fire Aftermath: Sikh Community Helps Deadly Blaze Survivors - WATCH

    Sikh Volunteers Feeding Homeless Abused By Far-right Activists In Manchester

    Sikh Volunteers Feeding Homeless Abused By Far-right Activists In Manchester
    Sikh volunteers providing meals for the homeless in manchester were allegedly abused by far-right activists after getting caught in a demonstration against Sharia laws.

    Sikh Volunteers Feeding Homeless Abused By Far-right Activists In Manchester