Ancient Egyptian tool found in a wardrobe in England

The 4,500-year-old wooden maul, or mallet, used by Egyptian craftsmen, had been stored in the wardrobe in Derbyshire to protect it from sunlight.

It was originally discovered during World War Two in a cave near Cairo by a relative of the owner.

Auctioneer Charles Hanson said “the tool would almost certainly have helped with the building of important ancient temples of the day”.

The item, which goes to auction in October, has a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-£3,000.

Mr Hanson, manager of Hansons Auctioneers, said the maul had been used but was in “remarkable condition”.

The relative of the vendor, who wanted to remain anonymous, had been camped in a cave in the Mokattam Hills, near Cairo, and discovered the artefact while digging.

Mr Hanson said: “To hold something which is twice as old as Christianity and to close your eyes and think back to the Ancient Egyptian civilization, and the time of the Pharaohs, is quite remarkable.”

The tool has been verified by the Natural History Museum, in London, and will be entered into auction on 7 October.