Paris police have recovered five of seven 18th-century snuffboxes stolen from the Cognacq-Jay Museum in November 2024. the boxes,part of the “pocket Luxury” exhibition,were taken during a daylight robbery by masked thieves.
Paris Musées, the institution overseeing the city’s museums, announced the recovery this week, stating, “Thanks to a thorough examination conducted by the police, with the assistance of the Paris criminal Investigation Department, five snuff boxes of great ancient and heritage value have been recovered and are now safe.” Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the location or circumstances of the recovery.
The stolen collection included items on loan from prominent institutions. Two boxes originated from the Louvre in Paris, two from the Royal Collection Trust in the UK, and one from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Two remain missing – one from the V&A and one from the Royal Collection.
The Cognacq-Jay Museum’s collection was assembled by Ernest Cognacq, founder of the La Samaritaine department stores, who bequeathed his holdings to the city of Paris upon his death in 1928. The recovered and stolen snuffboxes, historically used to hold powdered tobacco, are adorned with materials such as gold, precious stones, mother-of-pearl, and enamel, and are collectively estimated to be worth at least €1 million.
