An array of fine Sikh artifacts will be auctioned next week by Lyon and Turnbull, Scotland’s oldest auction house.

Maharajah Duleep Singh's robe to be auctioned Dec. 9 by Lyon and Turnbull of Scotland. Photo courtesy Lyon and Turnbull.

A painting of Maharajah Ranjeet Singh to be auctioned Dec.9 by Lyon and Turnbull of Scotland.. Photo courtesy Lyon and Turnbull.

The highlight of the Dec. 9 sale is a ceremonial Jacket belonging to the last Sikh king, Maharajah Duleep Singh. It is expected to sell for between £60,00 and £80,000. A pair of shoes worn by him will also be up for grabs with a pre–auction estimate of £15,000 to £20,000.

Duleep Singh was a dashing Sikh maharajah, the youngest son of the legendry Maharajah Ranjit Singh. He was the last king of the Punjab. Born Sept. 6, 1838, he occupied the throne at the age of 5, after his father’s death. The British East India Co. removed him from the throne in 1849 when England annexed Punjab.

The deposed maharajah was placed under the guardianship of Sir John Login and brought to England where he became an instant favorite of Queen Victoria, who was infatuated by the exotic and handsome teenager.

John Bly, a well known antiques dealer, purchased Duleep Singh’s jacket and shoes in the 1950s from his Elveden estate, outside London.

The auction house will also be offering an early painting of Maharajah Ranjit Singh, which is expected to sell between £8,000 and £12,000. Early depictions of the maharajah, known as the Lion of Punjab, are very scarce. The earliest known painting was discovered by a research assistant at the British Museum and is currently exhibited at the Victoria and Albert museum in 'The Splendour of India's Royal Courts Exhibition,' from Oct. 10, 2009 to Jan. 17, 2010.

This is not the first time items related to Sikh Royalty have gone under the hammer. In 2007, a bust of Maharajah Duleep Singh, sold for a staggering £1.7 million, shattering the estimated sell price of between £25,000 and £35,000.

Note: By Prabjot Singh, special to Sikh News Network.