October 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, October 30th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2014
Egyptology letter regarding the excavation of King Tut's tomb from 1923. Typed letter is from Egypt's Under Secretary of State Abdul Hamid Soliman to the Director General of the Department of Antiquities, concerning who will head the excavation after the death of its sponsor, Lord Carnarvon. The Earl's passing leaves Egypt wondering where lead excavator Howard Carter stands, as he was hired by Carnarvon. Letter is headed, ''Discoveries of Antiquities in the Valley of the Kings by Lord Carnarvon.'' Written in French, letter translates to, ''Mr. General Manager, I have the honor to refer you to your two letters...dated December 19, 1922 and January 27, 1923, relating to discoveries of antiquities in the Valley of the Kings by Lord Carnarvon. In the 3rd paragraph of the second letter, you declare that the excavator is in charge of the packaging and transport of the found objects to the Luxor Museum in Cairo, and the Department of Antiquities does not replace the excavator that if this one does not work well. But now that Lord Carnarvon has died, we wish to know what measures the Ministry proposes to take to ensure your service by him, the work of restoration, packing and transport of objects found. Please accept, Mr. Director General, the assurances of my highest consideration.'' Stamped, ''Abdul Hamid Soliman''. Additional stamps include the date of 26 April 1923 and one labeling the document an office copy. Single-page letter measures 8.25'' x 13''. Toning and scattered notations. Very good.
Letter Regarding King Tut's Tomb From 1923 -- The Egyptian Secretary of State Inquires How to Proceed With the Excavation After the Death of Its Sponsor
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