Lot description
The Bedchamber Sword of Tipu Sultan (reg. 1782-1799), a fine gold-koftgari-hilted steel sword ( sukhela) India, 18th Century the single-edged steel blade with flattened spine becoming double-edged towards the point, gold-overlaid inscription to spine, gold overlaid orb and parasol mark to one side, engraved inscription in English within a rectangular cartouche to the other, the steel hilt of typical tulwar form with dished disc pommel, convex pommel cap with hinged gold loop for sword knot, bellied grip and short waisted quillons curving slightly towards the tip of the blade, the hilt itself canted slightly forward, inlaid in gold with inscriptions in thuluth, bubri motifs to the edge, pierced hole to blade; the wood scabbard clad entirely in green corded silk velvet, with three silver-gilt mounts engraved overall with bubri stripes and floral motifs, the upper two with gilded iron suspension loops, the chape with impressed inscription-filled bubri motif (Haider control mark) to each side 105.9 cm. long; blade 92.9 cm. long; 109 cm. long (in scabbard)
