A pair of silver-mounted pistols from the Royal Workshop of Tipu Sultan with left and right hand locks.
Pair of Pistols by Sayyid Ma'sum, 17951796
© V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)
Details
- Medium:
- Steel & gold
- Dimensions:
- Length: 37.5 cm
- Art Fund grant:
- £14,286 ( Total: £30,000)
- Acquired in:
- 2005
- Vendor:
- Sotheby's
The strong French influence on the design of the locks reflects the shrewd use Tipu Sultan made of the best modern weapons technology to make his army one of the most effective in India. The barrels are decorated with Persian verses overlaid in gold praising the ruler and incorporating a calligramme in the form of a tiger head, the symbol of Tipu Sultan.
Provenance
Royal arsenal of Tipu Sultan; Robin Wigington collection 1970's.
Venue details
V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)
Cromwell Road, London
London
SW7 2RL
020 7942 2000
www.vam.ac.uk
Entry details
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