102cm broad European blade, measuring 5cms across at its widest point, please also observe the tiny gold Haidar mark or H in Arabic that appears at the forte, denoting its presence in Tipu's personal armoury, the reinforcing straps to either side of the blade decorated in gold with panels of scrolling foliage and flower heads, characteristic half bowl guard decorated to match, the disc-shaped pommel with spike finial also decorated to match, cord bound grip, contained in its red cloth wrapped wooden scabbard, retaining its chape or lower mount, decorated ensuite, complete with its companion waist and shoulder belt composed of leather and cloth backings faced in the armoured fashion with silver scales and square silver junction plates. The inside of the hilt bearing maker's name in Kannada.

Provenance - Major Thomas Hart then by decent through the family until sold at auction to the current owner.

See page 15 Robin Wigingtons book, the letter H in Arabic, weapons rom Tipu's personal armoury are filled with gold or silver sheet whereas the mark on munition quality arms it is left blank or filled with brass.

See also RCIN 62755 in the Royal Collection for a similar sword "Removed from the bedchamber of the late Tipoo Saib"

By family tradition this was one of Tipu Sultan's personal swords and bears a label to that effect describing it as TIPPOO SAHIB SWORD.

From the Tipu Sultan collection acquired by Major Thomas Hart after the siege of Seringapatam - see lot 2 - 26th of March 2019 - Antony Cribb Ltd - The Major Thomas Hart Allocation from the defeat of Tipu Sultan and the fall of Seringapatam, 4th of May 1799.