Stolen 19th-Century Napoleon III Artefacts Recovered After Antiques Dealer Recognition

In Brief

Two stolen 19th-century altar cards from Napoleon III's crypt were recovered after an antiques dealer identified them on a TV show.

Key Facts

• Two wooden 19th-century altar cards stolen in February 2014 from St Michael’s Abbey crypt in Farnborough, Hampshire
• The artefacts were identified by antiques dealer Paul Gostelow while watching a repeat episode of the BBC series Lovejoy
• The stolen altar cards are linked to Napoleon III and were feared lost for over a decade
• Hampshire Constabulary recovered and returned the two plaques to St Michael’s Abbey
• The identification occurred after the antiques dealer recognized the artefacts on a 30-year-old episode of Lovejoy

What Happened

In February 2014, two wooden 19th-century altar cards were stolen from the crypt of Napoleon III at St Michael’s Abbey in Farnborough, Hampshire. The artefacts remained missing for over ten years until antiques dealer Paul Gostelow recognized them while watching a repeat of the BBC series Lovejoy. Hampshire Constabulary subsequently recovered and returned the stolen plaques to the abbey.

Why It Matters

The recovery of these artefacts highlights the role of media in aiding the identification of stolen cultural heritage items. It also underscores ongoing challenges in protecting and recovering historical objects, which hold cultural and historical significance. The case demonstrates how public awareness and vigilance can assist law enforcement in resolving long-standing theft cases.