Fragments of what's believed to be Beethoven's skull were in California drawer for decades

Bone fragments believed to be from 18th-century composer Ludwig van Beethoven have made their way back to Vienna after living in a locked drawer of a home in Carmichael for the past 30 years.

Bone fragments believed to be from 18th-century composer Ludwig van Beethoven have made their way back to Vienna after living in a locked drawer of a home in Carmichael for the past 30 years.

Paul Kaufmann's remarkable journey in taking possession of the curios began in 1990 following the death of his mother.

She lived in a town in the south of France.

After travelling there and going through her belongings, he would find a key – and that key would not only open a safety deposit box, but inside reveal a second box full of mysteries.

"A black tin container, actually, with a lid and scratched on the surface … was the name Beethoven," Kaufmann said.

Inside, wrapped in tissue, were fragments of a skull thought to belong to one of the greatest composers the world has ever known.

"Surprise and wonderment. What is this all about?" Kaufmann said.