Antony Cribb

Two spectacular early-19th century British presentation sabres have turned up in the salerooms recently, one in London and the other in Munich.

A Battle of Culloden period Clan MacTavish silver inlaid basket-hilted back sword sold for £4800, just below top estimate, at the Antony Cribb (22% buyer’s premium) auction on July 30.

A rifle from the personal armoury of Tipu Sultan sold for £60,000 in Oxfordshire last week.

Historical weapons from the personal armoury of Tipu Sultan will be offered for sale in Oxfordshire in the spring.

Following the fall of Seringapatam in India on May 4, 1799, portions of the spoils were variously allocated to senior officers of the British force.

Signed in gold to the 10in (25cm) damascus barrels Manton London, the best-known name among London gunsmiths, a cased pair of 25-bore flintlock duelling pistols led the specialist arms and armour sale held by Antony Cribb (22% buyer’s premium) at Abingdon on July 24.

A quartet of weapons with fascinating histories sold recently at regional UK auctions.

Focus on lots coming up in sales at four auction houses, two from the UK and two from the US.