Just A Fancy Letter Opener? Tipu Sultan's Supposedly 'Priceless' Sword Proves Priceless To No One At Christie's Auction

In a surprising turn of events, a historical artifact, Tipu Sultan's personal sword, failed to secure a buyer at a recent Christie's auction, the Times of India has reported.

This sword, with a "captivating history", was originally presented to former British Governor-General of India, Charles Cornwallis, after the fall of Seringapatam. It had remained within the Cornwallis family for generations but couldn't find a new home at the auction, despite its estimated value ranging from £1.5 million (Rs 15 crore) to £2 million (Rs 20 crore).

Anticipation had been high, as it was expected that a museum in the Middle East would acquire this exceptional piece of history, especially considering that another sword from Tipu Sultan's collection, the bedchamber sword, had recently fetched a staggering £14 million (Rs 141 crore) at Bonhams on May 23.

However, on Thursday, the sword, designated as lot 100, did not meet its reserve price, leaving onlookers and historians puzzled.

This particular sword was one of only two from Tipu Sultan's personal armor that were gifted to Charles Cornwallis, the 1st Marquess and 2nd Earl Cornwallis, in 1799, immediately following Tipu's defeat.

Cornwallis, who had previously served as the governor-general and commander-in-chief of British India in 1786, played a significant role in the Third Anglo-Mysore War. He was reappointed to the post in 1805 but tragically passed away just over two months into his second tenure.

The sword, along with its companion, was put up for auction by his descendants, with the proceeds intended to fund the extensive restoration of their ancestral residence, Port Eliot, in Cornwall.