5 Large gold head from throne

©Her Majesty The Queen

Central Tiger Head Or Footstool From Tipu's Throne Gold, on a wooden core,with incised tiger stripes; eyes and teeth of rock crystal. Feet and claws added (September 1875) by W.Seabrook. The base was made by the Royal goldsmith, Paul Storr 46 x 57 x 48 cm (excluding base) Mysore, c1787-1793

		fter the Fall of Seringapatam, this large tiger head, from the front of Tipu's throne, together with the jewelled huma bird which crowned the canopy, and Tipu's green, calligraphic standard, were sent home to be presented to George III and Queen Charlotte. It is described thus in a 'Note of Articles sent in charge of Major Davis, to the Chairman of the Honourable Court of Directors :' The Golden Tyger's Head and carpet recommended to be presented by the Court to His Majesty. Formed part of the throne of Tippoo Sultaun. A Drawing & description of it was sent home by the Overland dispatch in September. The carpet is a Royal one and Was used by Tippoo. In the Carlton House Catalogue of the Armoury of the King's son later George IV, the object is described as 'a Massive Tiger's Head�the teeth of rock crystal, the tongue of plain gold and moveable,' and with 'an Indian silk Scarf of crimson about its neck.' The feet and claws were added in 1875 by W. Seabrook. The construction of Tipu's throne was begun in 1787, but Tipu's defeat in Travancore (1789) and the campaigns of the Third Mysore War (1790-92) interrupted plans to celebrate his enthronement. Following his defeat in 1792, Tipu vowed never to ascend his throne until he had expelled the British from his kingdom. After Tipu's death, Major David Price, one of the Prize Agents attached to the Madras Army, referred to 'the superb throne ��which the Sultan had never yet mounted.' This is almost certainly the tragic truth.