It is a beautiful 17.5 cm piece of ivory. But, since last September 15, the astonishing sperm whale tooth presented under a bell at the Porte Saint-Michel by the Guerande museum (Loire-Atlantique) has disappeared. A gendarmerie investigation was opened following this incredible theft, and the central office for the fight against trafficking in cultural property (OCBC) was seized. But the town hall has today decided to reveal the case to the inhabitants so that they show vigilance, in particular “on sales from individuals to individuals (garage sale, online sales platform such as Ebay, leboncoin…)”.
Acquired in 1965
Recognizable by its engraving representing the god Neptune on a chariot drawn by two horses, this atypical object had been acquired by the museum in 1965. “Since listed in the inventory of the museum’s heritage collections, it [la dent] as such benefits from protection which ensures it an inalienable status (cannot be sold) and imprescriptible (without duration of time)”, specifies the town hall.
“As a reminder, the theft or damage to heritage objects classified as much those of museums as of historical monuments are heavily sanctioned, continues the city. Any author is liable to 7 to 10 years in prison and a fine of 100,000 to 150,000 euros. »