It takes an expert eye to recognize their value. And a sharp memory to remember their history. On Thursday, two pieces of Sèvres porcelain – an ewer and a basin – stolen more than thirty-seven years ago from the Thoiry castle museum will be returned to their owner. “These are objects which have great historical value since they were offered by Queen Marie-Antoinette to the Duchess of Tourzel, who was the governess of her children”, specifies Colonel Hubert Percie du Sert, at the head of the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property (OCBC). These objects were used in particular for the toilet of members of the royal family.
Back in 1987. It was a little after 4 a.m. on November 15 when three to four criminals – armed and probably knowledgeable about the area – entered the archives room. In a few minutes, they steal several collector’s items. These porcelains, therefore, but also an inkwell or even a set of six rifles offered by the King of England to Louis XVI. These other pieces have, according to the general, never been found. Just like thieves, put to flight by friends of the owner.
Objects estimated at 50,000 euros
For several years, the objects disappear from circulation. Until reappearing a few months ago at an auctioneer. “Collectors bought these objects from an art dealer without suspecting their provenance and wanted to have them valued,” recalls the gendarmerie colonel. Because these porcelains do not only have historical value. In the 18th century, such objects were already selling for between 600 and 800 pounds… where the average salary was 30 pounds. Recently, similar porcelains sold for more than 50,000 euros. The quality of this porcelain, this dazzling blue, prompted the auctioneer to turn to a specialist in old ceramics.
Expert who immediately raises doubts. The central office for combating trafficking in cultural property is then referred to the case. The object appears in its database, which lists nearly 95,000 stolen objects. “When we say that we must take photos of valuable objects, it is not an empty word,” insists Colonel Percie du Sert. After almost forty years, we can get our hands on stolen objects. » Extensive research was carried out, and the conclusion was clear: these were indeed the famous royal porcelains. Informed of their origin, their owner agreed to return them to the museum.