A Tipu Sultan bubri-form axe-head with tiger's head, Mysore, late 18th Century

the steel blade of gently curving form, engraved with foliate motifs near shoulder with remnants of gilding, the mount composed of two tiger-heads biting either side of the blade with a cylindrical fitting chiselled with a bubri design

In overall good condition, some minor oxidisation to blade, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Every item at Tipu Sultan's court featured a tiger-related design. This leitmotif was emblematic of his love of tigers and their powerful symbolism. The present axe-head features stylised tiger heads and a bubri design embodying the stripes of a tiger. Robin Wigington, in his survey of the firearms produced in Mysore during the reign of Tipu Sultan, writes: "Although the tiger stripe as an art form was widely used throughout the world of Islam, and notably in India, from very early times, Tipu's particular pattern of stripe was very much his own." These are composed of an "s-shaped figure, wide at the middle with a hollow centre, and with re-curving ends of equal size [...] sometimes decorated with pellets" (Robin Wigington, The Firearms of Tipu Sultan 1783-1799, John Taylor Book Ventures, Hatfield, 1992).