10/24/2026
Once again, treasures turn up in the most unexpected places. Never Leave a Box Unopened is our general rule.
And if you want to watch a truly fascinating documentary about European treasures taken to the U.S. by military personnel during WWII, check out “The Liberators” (2016). Sort of a cross between a great mystery story and Antiques Roadshow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pD9t5GMhAQ
Gillette Woman Buys $20 Estate Sale Box, Finds Jewelry Stolen From British Museum Nearly 90 Years Ago
GILLETTE, Wyo. - A $20 box purchased at a Gillette estate sale has led to an international investigation after several pieces of jewelry inside were identified as artifacts stolen from a British museum nearly 90 years ago. Gillette resident Anita Dickins said she purchased the box because she liked an old wooden picture frame sitting on top. “I really just wanted the frame,” Dickins said. “I didn't even look at what was underneath until I got home.”
Under several scarves, Dickins discovered a velvet pouch containing antique jewelry, including a jeweled brooch, two gold rings and a ceremonial pendant approximately nine inches long. Dickins initially assumed the pieces were costume jewelry and contacted local antiques dealer Harry Balzac for an appraisal. Balzac immediately became suspicious after examining the unusually large pendant. “I've handled a lot of old pieces,” Balzac said. “But the weight of this one really caught me off guard. You could feel it as soon as Anita put it in my hand.”
Records later identified the pendant as the Royal Coxwell Shaft, a ceremonial piece belonging to the private collection of British aristocrat Lord Hugh G. Rection. The collection disappeared from a museum storage room in 1937. British historian Richard Head said the Coxwell Shaft was considered one of the collection's most recognizable pieces. “It's considerably larger than photographs suggest,” Head said. “Seeing it in person is something you don't forget.”
Also recovered was a pair of ornamental silver balls belonging to the historic Dixon Estate Collection. Museum records indicate the balls were normally displayed directly beneath the Coxwell Shaft. “How all three ended up together in Wyoming is really the question,” Head said. Investigators traced the estate-sale property to a former Gillette resident named Peter File, whose grandfather reportedly served in Europe before moving to Wyoming in the late 1930s.
Authorities emphasized there is currently no evidence File knew the items were stolen. British officials have requested that the artifacts be returned. Dickins said she has no objection but would like reimbursement for the $20 she spent on the box. Museum representative Ben Dover said officials are working on it.
“We're hoping everyone involved can come together and get Anita satisfied,” Dover said. The artifacts remain secured in Wyoming while ownership paperwork is completed. Dickins was allowed to keep the picture frame. She says it's about eight inches. “Maybe nine if you measure all the way to the end.”
