The magnificent tiger is the national animal of India, featuring significantly in its myths and legends. It is no surprise then, that a sitting tiger, as a symbol of courage and power, would make a menacing mortar, with bombs issuing from its jaws and tiger's stripes visible on its surface.
This mortar was cast in India in the late 18th century, possibly for Tipu Sultan (1753-1799), known as the Tiger of Mysore. It is a testament to the skill of the unknown founder, weighing in at around 2,540kg. Two of these tiger mortars were seized in 1838 by the British Army under Major-General Wilson, at Fort Kurnaul, Madras Presidency, during local disturbances. This example remained unfinished without a drilled vent and cannot therefore be fired.
After being sent to England, the mortars were held at the Tower of London. A picture from The Graphic on 15 August 1885 shows an artist's impression of the aftermath of the Grand Storehouse fire at the Tower in 1841. Clearly to be seen on a pedestal is one of the mortars. The other is currently amongst the collection of the Royal Artillery Historical Trust.
Physical description The muzzle issues from the open jaws, the surface being modelled and chased to simulate stripes. It appears to be unfinished since the vent is not drilled and the bore has not been cleaned after casting. There is a lifting loop at the front, on the under side. A long tail is affixed to the piece just below the head.