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Burglary Results in Precious Artifact Stolen From Oakland Museum of California

The Oakland Museum of California today announced the theft of a historical Gold Rush-era quartz and gold-encrusted jewel box from its permanent collection. The rare box, an invaluable historical object for the state of California, depicts scenes of early pioneer life and is part of the Museum’s holdings of California history.

The Museum is offering a $12,000 reward for the safe recovery of the stolen object. The reward is subject to certain terms and conditions required by the insurer, including that the reward claimant not have any involvement in the theft or any previous or post theft complicity.

“The rare Gold Rush-era box stolen in Monday’s burglary at the Oakland Museum of California is an invaluable historical object depicting the pioneer history of our state,” stated OMCA Director Lori Fogarty. “The museum’s collection is held in public trust by the city and people of Oakland, and we hope that everyone in our community and those further afield will help us recover this precious object for the people of California.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Major Crimes Section at (510) 238-3951 or the TIP LINE at 777-2805.