The sword of 1700s Native American ruler Tipu Sultan has become the most expensive sword in story after selling for an astonishing $ 17.5 million ( £ 14 million ) at auction . While it was only expect to convey $ 2.5 million ( £ 2 million ) , the ornate sword dash past that goal to become not only a disk - discontinue blade , but a phonograph recording - breaking Indian or Muslim object .
possess by the legendaryTipu Sultan , the spenny sword was used as a bedchamber weapon by him during his sovereignty from 1782 – 1799 . It is a noteworthy piece of craft , famed for its hardness due to its construction of Wootz sword , which was recognized to be harder than other sword variants at the meter .
sword from this era of Native American story were rumor to slice through armor with ease , making them stand out from the metallurgy of the prison term . The halcyon hilt is covered in intricate markings and lettering on the blade call it the “ Sword of the Ruler ” , among other writing that were added after his decease .
The sword was made of Wootz steel, like other swords of the era.Image Credit: Bonham’s Auction House
Once Tipu Sultan was defeated by the British , it was regain from his bedchamber by British scout troop in 1799 and presented to Major General David Baird “ as a token of their gamy respect of his bravery and behavior in the ravishment which he dominate and in which Tipu Sultan was slain ” , according to a mechanical press sack from auction houseBonhams .
This was n’t the only sword of Tipu Sultan and it was n’t even one he used in battle – those were lose even sooner and have since been harbor in British museum . However , what makes this brand so exceptional is the prowess that adorn the hilt , making it a remarkable slip back in time , alongside the close connection it held with the legendary ruler .
Interestingly , Tipu Sultan is also credit as thepioneer of rocket artilleryafter he used metal tubes packed with gunpowder as foresighted - range heavy weapon against British attacks , which was remarkably ahead of its clock time . They were n’t particularly utilitarian or damaging , but the loud haphazardness and shining flashes of lighting were enough to seriously scare the East India Company ’s strength , so they had their enjoyment .
