Lot 256
  • 256

A very fine presentation sword taken as booty at the Siege of Seringapatam, of Eastern European manufacture, late 16th century

Estimate
80,000 - 100,000 GBP
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Description

the hilt with broad crossguard, elongated forte and bud quillons, incised with foliate decoration at the grip, with a ridged curved steel blade, the scabbard with a row of embossed foliate medallions, each with a colourful stone or glass to centre, two loops for hanging, later engraved at the lock: Taken from Tippoo Saib, Seringapatam, 1799

Provenance

Ex collection John Walzzak
The greater part of his collection was donated to and is now on display at the Muzeum Wojska Polskiego, (Museum of the Polish Army), in Warsaw.

Condition

In generall good condition, some stones possibly later replacements (glass or paste), the blade with some traces of oxidisation, part of hilt with restoration, some ware to scabbard consistent with age and use.
"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."

Catalogue Note

On Saturday the 4th May 1799, Tipu's fortress at Seringapatam was stormed by the British army under General Sir David Baird accompanied by Colonel Arthur Wellesley (the future Duke of Wellington). This very fine presentation sword, from the Eastern European provinces of the Ottoman Empire, must have at one time been given to Tipu Sultan as a diplomatic gift and was taken from Seringapatam as booty (as recorded on the scabbard). 

Tipu's palace was renowned for the array of arms and armour accommodated there. The Scottish chronicler Beatson recorded that  "In his palace was found a great variety of curious swords, daggers, fusils, pistols, and blunderbusses; some were of exquisite workmanship, mounted with gold, or silver and beautifully inlaid and ornamented..." (J. Grant, Cassell's History of India, London, 1898, p.344).