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Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 15, 18 July 1923, Page 14

The Parisian authorities are investigating the theft of a bronze bust of Louis XIV. from: the King's bedroom in the Palace ■ of; Versailles (states a message from France, published in the "Manchester Guardian"). The'bust was only about 6in. high, but was of considerable value,, having been, executed by an Italian sculptor when Louis XIV.. was about 45 year 3 of age: The thief, who ■ effected..the. removal of the bust from its ebony stand on the marble mantlepiece, must. have Riven proof of extraordinary daring. Parties viewing the Royal apartments are always. accompanied by a guide; moreover, a crimson rope separates the major part of the room and its furniture from the public, and it would be necessary to slip underneath this barrier and walk, right across the room to reach the bust. Examination showed that the bust had not been unscrewed from its socket, but wrenched off. a feat needing considerable strength. The police have taken fing-er prints, from the base of the statuette, and the ■ suspicious behaviour .of three young men, who lingered behind a visiting party has been reported, but up to the pi-esenUrio.further light has' b_e<m thrown on the mystery. Several casts of. the' statuette ejist. ' ■