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.

 

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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.”

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