A medieval manuscript featuring an early version of the tales of King Arthur and Merlin, which has been in private hands for about 700 years, is going under the hammer in a rare sale this summer.

Expected to fetch up to $2.7 million, the illuminated manuscript, which dates from the 13th or 14th century, is one of the earliest documents to narrate the legend of King Arthur and the search for the holy grail.

The tome contains text in Old French from a series known as the Lancelot-Grail cycle and has been valued at between £1.5 million ($2 million) and £2 million ($2.7 million).

Written on vellum and decorated with gold leaf, the manuscript features 126 “rich illustrations” of the legend that has spawned countless books, films and academic debates, according to Eugenio Donadoni, director of medieval and renaissance manuscripts at Christie’s.

Among the images are some depicting Merlin the magician shape-shifting into different forms and some of the tales of King Arthur and his knights.

It includes images of Merlin shape-shifting, including as a large stag as seen here.
It includes images of Merlin shape-shifting, including as a large stag as seen here.
Christie's Images Ltd. 2026

It has never been publicly exhibited nor studied in any great detail, according to the auction house.

Donadoni told CNN in an email that it is a “virtually unknown” manuscript that is likely to garner much interest when it comes up for sale.

“This is a rediscovered manuscript of one the greatest of all medieval romances: the story of the Holy Grail, Merlin and the young King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, texts fundamental to Western culture,” he said, adding that there are only three such manuscripts in private hands and this is the earliest.

It is covered in a 17th century binding of green velvet - which replaced the original cover - and also features gilt lettering that reads "Roman de Artus."
It is covered in a 17th century binding of green velvet - which replaced the original cover - and also features gilt lettering that reads "Roman de Artus."
Christie's Images Ltd. 2026

The auction house has detailed provenance for the manuscript showing a long line of previous owners, Donadoni said.

He added that previous owners included a 15th century knight, a jouster, an “obsessive medievalist” and a 20th century industrialist called Jean Lebaudy who was awarded two “croix de guerre” for his “heroic deeds in both World Wars.”