Museum Thefts Still Puzzle; Reward Offered

SWAINTON — The FBI and Middle Township police continue to investigate two thefts of artifacts from the County Historical Museum, 504 Route 9 North, between May 2-16 and June 2-5.
The latest reported incident involved Civil War items, including two Kepis (hats), a German cap and assorted uniform ribbons.
Earlier, it was reported that an assortment of whaling implements, including a sextant in a wooden case, two dart guns, a toggle iron and a harpoon and bomb lance, and a sailor’s palm thimble, had been stolen.
A reward of up to $4,000 is being offered for information that will lead authorities to the arrest of those who are responsible for the thefts, as well as the return of stolen items.
That reward is in addition to any reward that Crime Stoppers may provide.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Middle Township Police detectives at (609) 465-8700 or Crime Stoppers (609) 465-2800 (toll-free at 1-866-465-2800).
The FBI was brought in to investigate because it has expertise in tracking stolen artifacts and art work over a broad area.
Missing items include:
* Toggle iron: Improved Temple toggle iron, steel, bottom comes to a point, ring at the bottom flares off of the rod, 32 inches, Value: $300-$400.
* Single Flued Harpoon: Steel rod with single flue at the top. “J. Howard” is stamped on it. “SIM” and “PIY” are carved into one side. 31.5 inches. Value” $1,000+
* Bomb Lance: Steel lance, point is still sharp. Cork at the bottom. 33.5 inches. Value: If included with a gun $400.
* Unknown device: A long piece of steel comes to a sharp point at the end. 22.25 inches
* Darting Gun with Bomb Lance: Brass or bronze gun with metal bombing lance in the barrel. Bottom of barrel has #220” stamped on it. 30 inches. Value” $2,000+
* Darting Gun: Steel gun, nothing exceptional or distinguishing. 21 inches. Value: $1,000
* Sailor’s Palm Thimble: Three sailor’s leather palm thimbles, light color, used by Capt. Thomas G. Crawford. Value” $10 each.
* Sextant with case: Case is wood and has the company tag printed on the inside of it. The sextant is 10 inches long and was made in London, England. The wooden case is 13 inches long. Value: $1,500.