A European gem-set presentation sword with scabbard given by Sir Eyre Coote to Warren Hastings and dated 25 February 1773

the slender, curved, tapering watered-steel blade with faux Muhammad's ladder motif, with chiselled and gold-overlaid Arabic inscription and martial symbols, the elaborate gilt-metal hilt in the form of an eagle-head with feather detailing on the twisted grip and one quillon with another eagle-head, set with large and small cut precious stones and turquoise, the gilt-metal scabbard with engraved dedication and bull's-head heraldic device with Latin motto HONORANTES ME HONOREO IN VERRITATE VICTORIO

overall in good condition. some rubbing, no stones missing, 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."

inscriptions

On the blade:

Qur'an, chapter LXI (al-saff), part of verse 13, followed by invocations to God.

Qur'an, chapters XLVIII (al-Fath), verse 13 and LXI (al-saff), part of verse 13.

On the scabbard:

'Presented to Warren Hastings, Esq.
Governor General of Bengal on the 25th of February 1773,
by his Esteemed Friend Sir Eyre Coote.'

General Sir Eyre Coote (1726-83) was a member of the Protestant Irish gentry who rose through the ranks of the East India Company and played a significant role in the campaign against Hayder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan in Mysore between 1782 and 1783. He died in 1783, some years before the final defeat of Tipu and the fall of Seringapatam in 1799.

Warren Hastings (1732-1818) was appointed Governor of Bengal in 1772 and was confirmed as Governor-General of India by Act of Parliament the following year. The inscription and date of 25 February 1773 confirms that the presentation of this sword must have occurred prior to this final appointment.