RARE 18TH CENTURY INDIAN (MYSORE) SHAMSHIR FROM THE CIRCLE OF TIPU SULTAN

From the Collection of Sir Frank Bowden at Thame Park, Oxfordshire England. Figural hilt of base metal or silver alloy modeled after Tipu’s own sword with full relief tiger head pommel. The quillon terminals as well, modeled as tiger heads. The grip with a large tiger stripe bubri mark, which is iconic and specific to Tipu Sultan. Tipu was known as the Tiger of Mysore and his bubri mark was incorporated into his personal effects including weapons. The bubri and tiger head were also used on the weapons of those in his immediate circle. This example has a fine 31” curved blade of large whorl patterned watered steel and velvet-covered scabbard. The relatively untouched condition of the blade and scabbard suggests that this sword was collected after the Battle of Srirangapatna and taken to England as a trophy.