COVID-19 Lockdown Museum Item 13 - Tipu's Tiger, Victoria and Albert Museum London

Created for Tipu Sultan, this automata depicts a tiger mauling a British soldier. Originally when a panel was opened, a crank for an organ would play sounds of the soldier moaning as he flailed around. Unfortunately early attempts at restoring the piece have changed if not ruined its playing qualities. Fortunately there is a vintage recording of it playing. Click the picture to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum page for this item.