AN 18TH CENTURY INDIAN FIRANGI AND SUSPENSION BELT ENSEMBLE, 102cm broad European blade, measuring 5cms across at its widest point, stamped with the Persian letter H and filled in gold at the forte, 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.
See page 15 Robin Wigingtons book, the letter H in Arabic, the weapons on Tipu's personal firearms are filled with gold or silver sheet whereas 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. While the decoration does not reflect that which one would expect to see on a Tipu Sultan sword the inlaid gold Persian letter H would suggest it came from his personal armoury.
From the Tipu Sultan collection acquired by Major Thomas Hart after the siege of Seringapatam.