October 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, October 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2014
Letter signed by famed archaeologist Howard Carter in 1903, written in Arabic and English. Carter is well-known for founding the tomb of King Tutkhanmen and served as first chief inspector of the Egyptian Antiquities Service. Translated to English, letter reads, ''Based on your letter dated 27th of January 1903, No 27, we asked the Aswan Directorate to take the statement of Hamid Effendi Abulmunim about the value of compensation he is claiming for the building constructed by his father at the archaeological site on Aswan island (Elephantine) and also the comments of the directorate about it. The directorate informed us on the 7th of April 1903, No. 379, that the said man accepted the offer of 150 Egyptian pounds as compensation, on the condition that after receiving the compensation, he will hand over the piece of land with the building and its doors, windows, roofs and other items, and also not to ask the government for any further compensation, on the condition that after receiving the compensation, he will hand over the piece of land with the building and its doors, windows, roofs and other items, and also not to ask the government for any further compensation, either now or in the future. The directorate pointed out that this is value is very modest considering the cost of the place and in relation to the amount that he initially asked for. Therefore, we are sending as an attachment to this letter, the statement of the directorate and the total number of 38 papers to be examined, commented on, and returned.'' Carter writes a postscript in English, ''Reply to the service that I have inspected this building on the 28th. I found that the price stated (150) to be a very fair valuation''. Carter initials and dates the letter 29 April 1903 below the postscript. He also writes ''Price very fair / Howard Carter / 28-4-1903'' in English in red pen across the top. Single page letter measures 8'' x 12.75''. Two closed circular tears and one slight tear where letter was presumably affixed in a binder, as well as staple holes to top. Very good condition.
King Tut Founder Howard Carter Letter Twice-Signed -- Carter Tells Egyption Archaelogy Directorate ''...not to ask the government for any further compensation...''
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