AN ancient Egyptian sarcophagus believed to be more than 3,000 years old has been found in a north Essex home.
The 6ft tall coffin was found by Mark Stacey, from Colchester’s Reeman Dansie Auctioneers, during a house clearance for an unnamed woman who had moved into a care home.
The piece, which is made from Egyptian hardwood, will go under the hammer at the action house on November 26 with a guide price of between £4,000 and £6,000.
Mr Stacey, who joined the auction house in July, said: “It was one of my first visits with Reeman Dansie. It is a unique find.
“I love history but little did I know that on that morning I would come face to face with Ancient Egypt.
“The hairs went up on the back of my neck.
“It is certainly the oldest item I have been asked to look at in my 30 year career and probably one of the most exciting.
“We’re looking at 3,000 years of history which is staggering.”
Full story in today's Gazette.
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