PRICELESS JEWELS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11855, 14 June 1924, Page 6

PRICELESS JEWELS

ROBBERY IN PICCADILLY THIEVES’ HAUL ESTIMATED AT £250,CC0 IN VALUE. THE WEKXHER. COLLECTION. By Telwaab —Pipes Assn.—Copyright Aufilralian mul WZ (’ah!* Association (Received June 13, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 12. rifled the famous Wcrnher collection in Bath House, Piccadilly, which tho late Sir Jutus \Vernliei* oollected as the result of a lifelong hobby. It belonged to his widow, now Ludlow, and consisted chiefly of fifteenth and sixteenth century iewels, priceless owing to their rarity and historical associations. The burglars hid in the basement until everyone was asleep, and then went to the museum, which occupied the whole of tho first floor of Bath House. A moderate estimate of tho value of tho stolen jewels is £250.9C0. Afost of tlie jewellery had been worn by Queens and Princesses, and the whole collection'cost Sir Julius over £1,(XX),000, After tho robbery the floor of the museum was Uttered with white flock which the thieves tore from the in order to pack the stolen jewels. Sir Julius 'Wernher died in 1912, leaving £11.000,000, the greater part of which went to his widow, who is reputed the richest woman iu England. During tho wai sho subscribed £2.000,000 to the War Loan. Lord Ludlow was killed in the hunting field in 1922.