TAA i.2.3.29

Oct. 23^rd

Today brought another of those exciting and interesting moments, in
the manner of one more important stage in the "dèblaiement" of the tomb of
Tut.ankh.Amen - a solemnity not easily forgotten.

The afore mentioned arrangements being complete we were able to
proceed with the next stage. This was the reverse of what might at
first sight appear to be the natural order of things, the outer shell being
lowered from the second coffin, instead of the latter (the second coffin) being
lifted out of it, for reasons already explained; namely: the head room
was insufficient. The operation proved very successful, the shell
of the outer Coffin was lowered once more into the Sarcophagus, leaving
the Second Coffin suspended for a few moments in mid-air by means
of ten copper wire attachments already mentioned. A wooden
tray sufficiently large to span the mouth of opening of the Sarcophagus
was then passed under it, and on this it now firmly rests. The
overhead tackle being removed, photographs were then taken and
we were able to direct our energies to the raising of its lid.

The Coffin like the lid proved to be elaborately inlaid with multi-
coloured glass and gold 'cloisonnes' upon gesso. The entire inlay
being in a very fragile condition handling, therefore, had to be
avoided if possible. For this reason in order, thef therefore, to
lift the lid without damaging its incrustation, metal eyelets
were screwed into it at four points (where it would not be disfigured).
To these eyelets sufficiently strong cord was attached and by means
of overhead pulleys the lid was slowly raised - its bronze pins or
rivots^sic having been already extracted.

Though there was a slight inclination at first for it to stick, it
gradually rose and when sufficiently high to clear the contents
of the Coffin it was lowered on to a wooden tray all ready to
receive it at the side.

The removal of the lid revealed yet a Third Coffin,