Tipu Sultan's rare artefacts auctioned in Britain for £107,000

A COLLECTION of rare artefacts from Tipu Sultan's armoury, including one of his personal swords, was auctioned yesterday (26) for around £107,000.    

Earlier this year, the precious artefacts and other objects were discovered by a couple in their attic in Berkshire. 

A silver-mounted 20 bore flintlock gun and bayonet from the personal armoury of Tipu Sultan was sold for £60,000 after attracting 14 bids.

A gold-encrusted sword and suspension belt ensemble believed to be one of Tipu’s personal swords, attracted as many as 58 bids and finally sold for £18,500.     

The two centre pieces formed part of a collection of eight items brought back by Major Thomas Hart of the East India Company after Tipu’s  defeat at Srirangapatna  in south India in 1799. 

Alongside the arms, an intricately designed Betel Nut Casket (£17,500 ) and a Gold East India Company Seal ring (£2,800) belonging to Major Hart, were among the other big sellers of yesterday’s (26) auction.    

The valuables belonging to  Major Hart are believed to have passed down generations before landing in the hands of the current owners. 

Berkshire-based Antony Cribb Ltd auctioneers said a majority of the buyer interest had come from India.       

The Indian High Commission in London was made aware of the artefacts by the India Pride Project, and had attempted to persuade the auction house to consider voluntarily restoring the items to India.     

The auction house insisted that no laws were being broken and also confirmed that the beneficiary family had decided to make a sizeable donation to a school in India from the money generated from the auction.       

The latest cache of Tipu Sultan related artefacts, which included three further swords from the ruler's armoury and a lacquered leather shield, was described as special because of its rare discovery under one roof after nearly 220 years.   

 (PTI)