An exceptional tipuesque sword and scabbard, India, circa 1799

the re-gilt brass hilt with a tiger-head pommel with two jewel-set eyes, an open mouth bearing teeth and tongue holding a hook with a chain and ivory name tag, the grip with engraved decoration featuring lion busts and military symbols, three inset wooden bands to each side, the re-gilt brass covered wooden scabbard engraved with foliate designs, with two cartouches to each side revealing the wooden base and two hooks for hanging, the later blade etched with historicising inscription possibly copying the original, some restoration

Colonel Lord Evelyn Stuart (1773-1842), second son of John Stuart, 1st Marquess of Bute, and grandson of Prime Minister John Stuart, 3rd Earl Bute, thence by descent

brass mounts re-gilt, otherwise in fair condition, later bade with some rust and rubbing to inscription, ivory tag broken and partly missing, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions
Etched on the blade:
'Sacred To H---A [Haida 'Ali] VICTORY & GLORY'

Inscribed in ink on the ivory tag:
[Lor]d Evelyn St[uart] - [Colo]nel in H.M. [Army]'