Original Item: One of a Kind. This is extraordinary, it has come from an English Collection that specialized in the British East India Company Wars, in particular with the Siege of Seringpatam. Tipu Sultan was the Maharajah of Mysore, and was commonly referred to as “TIPOO”. This Siege which took place between April 5th and May 4th of 1799 concluded the FOURTH ANGLO/MYSORE WAR. Known for his love of tigers, TIPU had even created a mechanical example which was captured after the Siege and is now on exhibition in London. He was a man of extreme violence and was said to have fed his enemies to stables of wild tigers. He was regarded as one of the wealthiest men on earth.
Here we have a flintlock musket incorporating a third model Brown Bess, Crown over GR and TOWER marked lock with other proof marks. It has a 39 inch long .69 bore barrel, and is 57″ overall. The wood stock is or sparing dimensions and totally covered in lacquer, including much of the surface of its brass mounts and barrel. It is decorated in red lacquer and was clearly of some importance. It still retains its wood and iron ramrod in place under the barrel. It is in splendid working order and condition having been in a Museum like display for probably over 200 years.
The butt plate of very tarnished brass has engraved on it from the era of the Siege:-
Taken by officers of 74th Reg’t. of Foot
from the bodyguard of TIPOO SULTAN
at the Siege of SERINGPATAM
— 1799 —
The 74th Regiment of Foot was in fact the 74th HIGHLAND REGIMENT who were present at the battle. The Siege of Seringpatam was in part commanded by Arthur Wellesley, an Officer in the BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY Army at that time. He went on to become the great General, ARTHUR WELLESLEY, the DUKE OF WELLINGTON, who defeated Napoleon at
the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. One of Great Britain’s greatest heroes.
A seriously fine and rare Flintlock Mysore Musket from the Bodyguard of TIPU SULTAN. In lovely condition and ready to display!
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: Circa 1790
Caliber: .69″ Musket
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 39 inches
Overall Length: 55 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
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