The 600-Year-Old Sword Found in Texas | Christie's

Christie's3 minutes read

A medieval Italian sword known as the Alexandria sword, a diplomatic gift from Cyprus to the Mamluk Sultanate in 1414, was rediscovered after being sought after for 17 years. Dubbed the Harriet Dean sword, it was purchased by Dr. Bashford Dean in 1919 and later found in a folder of photographs in an American restaurant, marking a significant discovery.

Insights

  • The Alexandria sword, a medieval Italian sword gifted from the kingdom of Cyprus to the Mamluk Sultanate in 1414, resurfaced as the Harriet Dean sword after being purchased by Dr. Bashford Dean in 1919 and later found in an American restaurant's folder of photographs, following a 17-year search.
  • The mysterious disappearance and subsequent rediscovery of the Harriet Dean sword underscore the intricate journey and historical significance of artifacts, highlighting the role of chance discoveries and family connections in preserving and unveiling valuable relics from the past.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the Harriet Dean sword?

    Historical importance and rare rediscovery.

  • Where was the Harriet Dean sword found?

    In an American restaurant.

  • Who originally owned the Harriet Dean sword?

    Dr. Bashford Dean.

  • What is the historical origin of the Harriet Dean sword?

    A diplomatic gift from Cyprus to the Mamluk Sultanate.

  • How long was the Harriet Dean sword sought after?

    17 years.

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Summary

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"17-Year Search Ends: Harriet Dean Sword Found"

  • A regional representative received an inquiry about a folio of arms and armor from her family, leading to the discovery of a medieval Italian sword that had been sought after for 17 years. This sword, known as the Alexandria sword, was a diplomatic gift from the kingdom of Cyprus to the Mamluk Sultanate in 1414, eventually ending up in the hands of Dr. Bashford Dean and later his sister, Harriet Dean, before disappearing from public view until its recent rediscovery.
  • The sword, now known as the Harriet Dean sword, was purchased by Dr. Bashford Dean in 1919 and later passed on to his sister, Harriet, who kept it until her death in 1943. After being sold by her executors, the sword vanished from public knowledge until it was found earlier this year in a folder of photographs in an American restaurant, marking a significant and rare discovery.
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