A historic Scottish sword used in battle has fetched over £300,000 at an auction in London. The sword, known as a tulwar, belonged to Tipu Sultan, the “Tiger of Mysore”, who was defeated by the British army at the Assault of Seringapatam in 1799. This 94.5cm long curved sabre, adorned with gold tiger stripes, was part of Tipu’s personal royal armoury and was presented to Scots Captain James Andrew Dick from Perthshire.
After being in the Dick family for over 200 years, the sword was auctioned at Bonhams’ sale of Islamic and Indian Art. At the auction, an online bidder secured the sword for £317,900 after facing off against rival bidders online and over the phone. Oliver White, the head of department for Islamic and Indian Art at Bonhams, highlighted the rarity of weapons directly belonging to Tipu Sultan himself among those seized from his palace.
Tipu Sultan, known for being the last King of Mysore and a formidable opponent of the East India Company, was revered for his military prowess and strategic use of rockets in battles against the British. His legacy lives on through his iconic statement: “I would rather live one day as a tiger than a lifetime as a sheep.”
In conclusion, the auction of the historic sword provides a glimpse into the rich history of battles and conflicts between nations, showcasing the admiration and value placed on artefacts from significant historical events. The sword’s sale not only serves as a testament to Tipu Sultan’s legacy but also as a reminder of the lasting impact of past conflicts on present-day collections and commemorations.