[MSN] FBI seeks public's aid Photos needed in Space Farms theft

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

FBI seeks public's aid Photos needed in Space Farms theft

By TOM HOWELL JR.

Herald Staff Writer

WANTAGE — Museum visitors could provide the most valuable tips in tracking down the antique firearms stolen from Space Farms, federal investigators advised last week.

Three FBI agents from Newark visited Space Farms Wednesday to investigate the June 28 theft of the three rare firearms, Parker Space said.

The thief snatched the Civil War-era Colt revolvers — a Paterson, a Walker and a Dragoon — from Space Farms Museum during the night, smashing the front door before shattering the guns' display case.

FBI agents told Space to enlist the public's help, he said.

"They were looking for all the pictures they can get," he said.

The family would like to obtain detailed photographs of the revolvers from museum visitors.

"A lot of people are real into (the antique guns) and will take a picture real close up," he said.

Detailed photographs will help investigators find any identifying characteristics on Space's revolvers. The FBI could then monitor the marketplace by putting the word out to area gun dealers, Space said.

"They're all hooked up by e-mail," he said.

The Space family is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The firearms were considered family heirlooms after Parker Space's grandfather Ralph collected them roughly 30 years ago.

A mint condition Colt revolver can be worth more than $200,000, a local appraiser said, and the theft prompted Space to install video surveillance in the museum.

The FBI started its Art Theft Program in 2004 in response to extensive looting in Iraq, FBI spokeswoman Kathryn Ballew said last month.

The team investigates art thefts of high value and cultural significance, posting lost and recovered items in the National Stolen Art File.

Examples of other investigations include a stolen 1966 Baltimore Orioles World Series ring from the Hoover Library at Western Maryland College and the theft of "Adoration of the Magi," a 16th century painting, from Italy.

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Space Farms requests that anyone with information or photographs of the revolvers call (973)-875-3223 and ask for Parker or Jill Space.

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