Monday, April 11 2005 09:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: A range of works of art, weaponry, textiles, books and photographs relating to India, including the Tipu Sultan Collection, will be auctioned by well known auctioneer Sotheby's for two days from May 25.

The Tipu Sultan Collection was originally formed by Robin Wigington, author and leading authority on Tipu firearms, over a period of 30 years. Although it has since changed hands, but remains completely intact.

It is the most important collection of its kind ever to come to the market and is estimated to fetch in excess of 8,00,000 Pounds.

Other items include Indian carved jade, marble and sandstone as well as Mughal and Ottoman luxury textiles that capture the mutual fascination and artistic exchange brought about by historic encounters between Europeans and Asians over 400 years.

The sale on May 25 will contain around 165 lots and is estimated to fetch more than 2.2 million Pounds.

One of the most important highlights in the sale is a 17th century Mughal dagger, which is estimated at 80,000 to 1,20,000 Pounds.

Other important highlights in the collection include an exotic gem-set trophy sword, which is estimated to fetch 50,000 to 70,000 Pounds. The pommel was taken from Tipu's regalia of office and was evidently made to match the eight larger tigers head finials, which surrounded the rail of his celebrated gold throne.

The throne itself was described by European visitors to Tipu's court and was clearly a thing of great wonder supported by a life-size tiger made of gold inset with rubies, emeralds and diamonds.

After the siege, British soldiers broke the throne into pieces. The collection includes a magnificent embroidered tent canopy stitched with tiger stripes in gold and silver thread from Tipu's throne, which is estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 Pounds.

The group of weaponry is highlighted by Tipu Sultan's silver-mounted flintlock sporting gun with stock carved in the form of a leaping tiger, by Asad Khan Muhammed, Mysore, 1793-94. The tiger detailing even extends along the barrel of the gun, which flashes with tiger stripes. It is a sensational weapon and is estimated to fetch 80,000 to 1,20,000 Pounds.

Other highlights include two field cannons from Tipu's palace with barrels in the form of roaring tigers. One is estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 Pounds and the other is estimated to fetch 25,000 to 35,000 Pounds.

The single owner sale will include an outstanding group of weaponry and other rarities captured after the British stormed Tipu Sultan's palace at Srirangapatnam near Mysore in Karnataka in May 1799.