Invoice For The Sale Of Howard Carter's Objects - Sotheby's

Invoice for the sale of Howard Carter's objects - Sotheby's

Howard Carter (1874-1939) was a renowned British archaeologist and Egyptologist, best known for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. Self-taught and passionate, he began his career in Egypt at a young age as an illustrator, before specializing in the exploration of ancient sites.

After years of research often marked by financial and administrative difficulties, he made in 1923, with the support of his patron Lord Carnarvon, the discovery of the almost intact royal tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. This titanic work of excavation and documentation, carried out with exemplary rigor, considerably enriched knowledge of ancient Egypt.
His methodical approach and commitment have had a lasting influence on modern archaeology.

Our partly printed document, completed in manuscript by an unknown hand, issued by Sotheby & Co, on 4th April 1940, addressed to Miss. P[hyllis] Walker, Carter's niece and legatee.

The document is annotated "re Howard Carter (dec'd)" and informs Walker of the results of an auction, the four lots having sold for a total of £48.5.0
The document states "A statement of account, showing the price realised by each lot, and a cheque for the balance (after deduction of all costs, etc.) will be sent to you in about a month from this date".

This unusual piece is a real curiosity in view of H. Carter's fame and importance in modern Egyptology.
Howard Carter left the majority of his London estates and properties to his niece Phyllis Walker, specifying in his will that "I strongly recommend her to consult my executors as to the advisability of selling the Egyptian or other antiquities included in this bequest".

When Walker and the executors examined the contents of Carter's apartment, they discovered a small number of antiquities from Tutankhamun's tomb.