25 3/4 x 6 3/4 x 6 3/4 in.

Note: The above offered lot is referred to as the "Luxor" Obelisk which currently stands in Paris on the Place de la Concorde. This obelisk was one of a pair which stood guarding the portal at the Luxor Temple in Egypt during the reign of Ramesses II. The left hand obelisk remains in its original location. The pair of Luxor obelisks were originally carved of yellow granite and are inscribed with hieroglyphics in honor of the Pharaoh Ramesses II. Ramesses II (1279-1213) was the third Pharaoh of the 19th dynasty.

The Parisian obelisk arrived in Paris on December 21, 1833, having been shipped from Luxor via Alexandria and Cherbourg. Three years later on October 25, 1836 it was installed on the Place de la Concorde by King Louis Philippe. It had been given to France by Muhammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Ottoman Egypt in exchange for a French mechanical clock. After the exchange the clock was found to be faulty, having probably been damaged during transport. The clock is still installed in a clock tower at the Cairo Citadel and is currently not working.

In good overall condition with a small casting flaw on the lower part of the obelisk, very minor staining and wear. The marble base with very small nicks.Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.