A bargain buy from a market in Benalmadena hid something historical, only to be found years later

It’s always fun to have a little mooch around a second hand market to see what people are getting rid off. For one man, his market find has taken an interesting historical turn long after purchase.

A hidden compartment, found years later

Court-appointed archaeology valuer and writer Jose Antonio Fernandez bought an old suitcase years ago at a flea market in Benalmadena. He picked it up for a set of hand-drawn plans inside, dated 1886. Nothing else about the case caught his attention at the time, however when clearing out his storeroom recently, Fernandez went back through the suitcase and noticed a fabric lining with a double layer. Inside it lay a long strip of forged iron, worn and corroded enough to pass for a simple spike or rod.

Thoughts as to what the object might be

Fernandez researched the piece and compared it against known historical examples. His assessment: it could be a key from the Nasrid period, the Muslim dynasty that ruled Granada between the 13th and 15th centuries and built the famous Alhambra. He notes it measures 27 centimetres, has a square cross-section, and closely resembles the key linked to the Torre de la Vela, one of the Alhambra’s towers. By his own admission, the damaged teeth make certain identification difficult, and he says further study is needed before any conclusion can be confirmed.

A link through old family papers

Fernández, who also works as a handwriting expert, examined the manuscripts found in the same suitcase and traced them to a figure connected with the Alhambra’s restoration and conservation. That connection, he says, is what ties the iron object to the monument in his own assessment, not confirmation from any heritage authority. He has since been in touch with the Alhambra’s governing board

Origins of the suitcase before it reached the market stall are unknown. According to the seller, it had come from a house clearance in Granada. Fernandez still keeps the 1886 plans, which were once displayed at Benalmadena’s local library, and says he’s open to working with any institution wanting to examine the find further.

Definitely worth taking an extra look for secrets inside your bargain buy.