A legendary piece of jewellery, the golden hare necklace that captivated a nation during a famous treasure hunt in the late 1970s, is finally going under the hammer. The 18-carat gold creation, which famously vanished for decades, is expected to command a significant sum at auction, bringing its extraordinary tale back into the spotlight.
The Hunt That Gripped the Nation
The story begins with Kit Williams' 1979 book, Masquerade. This was no ordinary picture book; it was an intricate puzzle. Beyond its beautiful oil paintings telling the story of Jack Hare's quest, the book contained a series of cryptic clues. These clues led to a real, physical treasure that Williams had crafted and buried himself.
In 1979, Williams, accompanied by former University Challenge host Bamber Gascoigne, buried the necklace in the Bedfordshire countryside. The location was near a cross-shaped memorial to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife. The precious item was sealed inside a terracotta pot inscribed with the words, 'I am the keeper of the jewel of the Masquerade, which lies waiting safe inside me for you... or eternity'.
Discovery, Controversy, and Disappearance
The intricate puzzles were finally solved in 1982 by two physics teachers from Manchester. However, in a twist that shocked treasure hunters, it was revealed that another seeker had found it first. This individual had allegedly been tipped off about the general location through a connection to Williams's former girlfriend.
The 18-carat gold necklace, adorned with gemstones and featuring a ruby eye, was originally valued at £5,000. Dubbed the Masquerade Hare, it depicts a hare and includes figures of a rodent, a bird, and a frog. Its public life was short-lived. After being purchased by an anonymous overseas buyer in the late 1980s, the hare effectively vanished, disappearing into a private collection.
A Long-Awaited Reunion and Final Auction
The hare remained lost until 2009, when creators of a BBC Four documentary, The Man Behind The Masquerade, tracked it down to its owner in Egypt. They orchestrated its return to the UK for a poignant reunion with its creator, Kit Williams.
Now, for the first time in nearly 37 years, the necklace is being sold publicly. It is being offered online as part of Sotheby's London Fine Jewels Sale, which concludes on Friday, November 28. Auctioneers estimate it could fetch between £15,000 and £20,000.
The sale also features other notable items, including Elizabeth Taylor's turquoise cuff and a diamond and imitation pearl necklace once owned by the renowned author Dame Barbara Cartland.
