16th century French Queen Catherine de Medici’s hairpin is discovered in communal toilet

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This recent undated photo provided Tuesday, June 19, 2012 by the Seine et Marne region council shows a pin recently discovered at Fontainebleau castle, south of Paris. Conservators at Fontainebleau Palace have discovered a hairpin belonging to Renaissance Queen Catherine de Medici. It’s the first time in living history that a possession of the 16th century French queen has been found at the royal residence outside Paris. (AP Photo/Conseil général de Seine-et-Marne)

PARIS – A hairpin belonging to 16th century French Queen Catherine de Medici has been discovered at a royal residence outside Paris. And what’s left conservators scratching their heads is where it was found: a communal toilet.

Officials said it’s the first time in living history that a possession of the Renaissance royal has been found at Fontainebleau Palace.

The 3.5 inch pin was identified because it bore the initial “C” and the white and green finish known to be Catherine’s colours.

The rare artifact was found in a toilet waste receptacle as the latrine was being prepared for restoration.

Conservator Vincent Droguet said the pin’s location in a communal toilet — as opposed to a private one — was a “mystery.”

He added, “Perhaps it was stolen, and just fell in.”

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Abbey Westbury

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