Lot 126

[Egyptology] - Carter, Howard

Three letters written to Howard Carter, with his signature

Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photographs

Auction: 21 June 2023 at 11:00 BST

£2,520

Description

1) Addressed 22nd March 1929, typed letter in French from H. de Bildt of the Royal Swedish Legion in Egypt, thanking Carter for his permission to make an alabaster copy of the King's Wishing Cup but explaining that there is no craftsperson able to undertake the work, before discussing the possibility of taking a mould of the cup, with a signed autograph note by Howard Carter to the lower margin reading "Thank you for your ? & I am in agreement with the above, Howard Carter, 22nd March 1929", 21.5 x 27cm;
2) Addressed 19th November 1929, typed letter in French from Gaultier, Inspector General of the Service des Antiquités, requesting two series of enlarged photographs of the antiquities of Tutankhamun's tomb, with a signed autograph note by Howard Carter in blue pencil to the lower margin expressing that he has "no objection to this demand", 16.7 x 20.7cm;
3) Addressed 14th March 1931, typed letter in French from Gaultier, Inspector General of the Service des Antiquités, requesting permission for secondary-school teacher, Mr James Silverman, to reproduce some photographs of Tutankhamun's tomb onto glass slides, with Howard Carter's signature to the lower margin dated 21st March 1921 and 'No Objection', 16.7 x 20.7cm;
[WITH] 3 hand-coloured lantern slides, depicting The King's Jewellery Box, The King's Diadem, 'King Tut. in his tomb in the outer coffin'

Footnote

Note: The 'King's Wishing Cup' was Howard Carter's name for the lotus, or alabaster, chalice from the tomb of Tutankhamun. It was one of the first discoveries made upon entering the tomb. LOT AMENDMENT: Please note that this no longer contains the 'The King's Wishing Cup' (the lotus chalice) glass lantern slide shown in the photographs.