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.