Lot 125 , A near pair of Indian sword tulwars, late 19th century, L 81cm (blade)

A near pair of Indian sword tulwars, late 19th century, each having gilt copper hilt with incised decoration en suite with the chape, screw-on bulbous pommel and straight single edge blade, in black velvet-covered scabbard, and an additional matching pommel L 81cm (blade)
Estimate £600-900

Provenance: Formerly the property of Leonard Harry Baybut (1900-1960) and thence by descent.

Having served in the RAF in World War I, Leonard Baybut went to India and, by 1935, was running his own furniture factory in Srinagar. In the mid-1940's, as a result of being awarded the contract to refurnish Gulab Bhavan, the summer palace of the Maharajas of Jammu and Kashmir, he struck up an enduring friendship with the last Maharaja, Hari Singh (1895-1961). The relationship developed further when Leonard accepted the post of private secretary to the Maharaja in 1948-9, a position he held until ill-health forced him to retire and return to England in 1959.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £600