HISTORIC JEWELS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19198, 14 June 1924, Page 9

HISTORIC JEWELS

RIFLED BY BURGLARS. COLLECTION OF A LIFETIME. MANY PRICELESS RELICS STOLEN. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 12. (Received June 15, at 5.5 p.m.) Burglars rifled the famous Wernher jewel collection at Bath House, in Pieadilly, which the late Sir' Julius Wernher collected as the result of a life-long hobby. They belonged to his widow, now Lady Ludlow, and consisted chiefly of fifteenth and sixteenth century jewels. They were 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 the first floor of Bath House. It is shocking to think that the thieves may melt down the unique jewelled cups, enamels, and antique settings tor the wike of the gold and regardless of the destruction of their art value. A moderate estimate of the value of the stolen Wernher jewels is £250,000. Most of the jewellery had been worn by queens and princesses. The whole collection cost Sir Julius Wernher over £1,000,000. After the robbery the floor of the so-called museum was littered with white flock which the thieves tore from the cushions to 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 to be the richest woman in England. During the war she subscribed £2,000,000 to war loans. Lord Ludkqv was killed at Huntingford in 1922.—A. and N.Z. Cable.