Friday, May 27 2005 19:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya has bought most of the items related to former Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, which went under the hammer for over 1 million pounds at Sotheby's auctioneers in London.

Mallya, chairman of UB group, who took back Tipu Sultan's majestic sword to India two years ago, this time bought a silver mounted flintlock sporting gun from the personal armoury of the 'Tiger of Mysore', taken away by the British, at a cost of 120,000 pounds.

Other major items which went under the hammer on Wednesday (May 25, 2005) were a rare 3-pounder bronze cannon, on its presentation field carriage from Tipu's Palace (72,000 pounds), a three-pounder Bronze Cannon from Tipu's Palace (66,000 pounds) and an exotic gem-set trophy sword from Srirangapatnam (60,000 pounds).

There were also a 14-bore silver-mounted flintlock fowling piece from the armoury of Tipu Sultan (50,400 pounds), a very rare sword with bubri-patterned watered blade from his Palace armoury (50,400 pounds) and an extremely rare quilted helmet, Mysore, late 18th century (43,200 pounds).

Commenting on the sale, Edward Gibbs, Head of Sotheby's Islamic department said, "We are delighted with the results of the sale. There was competitive bidding from the saleroom and on the telephones, and an exceptional result was achieved for this unique collection."