AN 18TH CENTURY INDIAN FIRANGI 91.5cm slightly curved triple fullered blade struck with a mark, further 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, plain iron grip with traces of gold decoration, contained in its black leather wrapped wooden scabbard, chape lacking and leather parted.
See page 15 Robin Wigington's 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"
From the Tipu Sultan collection acquired by Major Thomas Hart after the siege of Seringapatam.