Police are hunting for burglars who stole several precious antiques from a National Trust stately home. The broke into Montacute House in late on Oct 22 and made off with items including a 300-year-old silver table centrepiece, Avon and Somerset Police said. The centrepiece, also known as epergne, was made by renowned London silversmith Thomas Pitts in the 18th century.
Prices for epergnes made by Pitts can exceed £40,000. Also stolen was a pair of French Empire candelabras, made from a luxury gold-coated bronze called ormolu, as well as several items of porcelain and a pewter mug from 1850. said officers were examining CCTV and speaking to locals as they attempted to track down the thieves.
“The stolen items are historic and we are keen to help reunite the National Trust with them,” Investigating Officer Dave Pepper said. “We would like to hear from anyone who has information about their whereabouts.” Montacute House is described as a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture by the National Trust, which acquired the property in 1931.
The mansion was built in 1601 for Sir Edward Phelips, a lawyer and politician who made the opening statement for the prosecution in the trial of Guy Fawkes. Keri Phillips, general manager for Montacute House, said: “This has been a very upsetting incident for our staff and volunteers. “The items stolen were a treasured part of the collection, in particular the epergne which is of exceptional significance having been commi.
