Provenance gaps detected
- Institut d'Egypte → British Crown: 2 year gap (1799–1801)
Provenance Summary
Chain of custody: Ptolemy V Epiphanes → Temple of Sais → Unknown → French Army (Napoleonic Expedition) → Institut d'Egypte → British Crown → The British Museum
Chain of Custody Timeline
Commission
196 BC–196 BC
Certain
To: Ptolemy V Epiphanes
Memphis, Egypt
Decree issued by a council of priests affirming the royal cult of Ptolemy V.
Transfer
196 BC–391 AD
Probable
To: Temple of Sais
Sais, Egypt
Likely remained in a temple setting during Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Unknown
391 AD–1799
Uncertain
To: Unknown
Rashid (Rosetta), Egypt
Stone was reused as building material in Fort Julien.
Found
1799–1801
Certain
To: French Army (Napoleonic Expedition)
Rashid (Rosetta), Egypt
Discovered by Captain Bouchard during demolition of old walls at Fort Julien.
Transfer
1799–1801
Certain
To: Institut d'Egypte
Cairo, Egypt
Transported to Cairo for study by scholars. Copies and casts were made.
Seizure
1801–1802
Certain
To: British Crown
Alexandria, Egypt
Seized by British forces following Napoleon's defeat in Egypt.
Transfer
1802
Certain
To: The British Museum
London, England
Presented by King George III. On continuous display since 1802. Accession EA 24.
Supporting Documents
Status
| Current Status | Unknown |
| Custody Type | Unknown |
| Acquisition Type | Unknown |
| Certainty Level | Unknown |
| Gaps | Has Gaps |
| Research Status | Not started |
| Complete | In Progress |
Nazi-Era Provenance Check
Not yet checked