Tag: artifact

Iraq: British Man Gets 15 Years Over Smuggling Artifacts

BAGHDAD—A British citizen was sentenced Monday by an Iraqi court to 15 years in prison on charges of attempting to smuggle artifacts out of the country, in a case that has attracted international attention. The verdict handed down to retired geologist Jim Fitton, shocked the court in Baghdad, including his defense attorney. He and his…


Napoléon Bonaparte Artifact Goes up for US Auction

The talisman believed to once belong to Napoléon Bonaparte went up for auction Friday. The rare artifact includes a crystal sphinx that is encrusted with 114 royal jewels and a silver base that has been authenticated by leading experts in the field. The relic dates back to the 1800s, when a Parisian artist created the…


Man Finds British Rifleman’s Sword From 1890s While Building Deck in His Backyard

One Ottawa man’s backyard home project yielded more than a new patio when his contractor removed a sword from under the earth. The find led home owner Brad Sigouin on a quest to solve the mystery of its origin. While installing concrete piers for a new deck in April 2020, a worker found the weapon…


Yard Sale Shopper Pays $35 for China Bowl That Turns Out to Be Artifact Worth up to $500,000

Talk about your yard sale finds. A small porcelain bowl bought for $35 at a Connecticut yard sale turned out to be a rare 15th century Chinese artifact worth between $300,000 and $500,000 that is about to go up for auction at Sotheby’s. The white bowl adorned with cobalt blue paintings of flowers and other…