Antique Crockery Stolen From Osterley House

Eighteenth century Berlin porcelain cups and saucers taken

Police are asking assistance in retrieving two antique cups and saucers of considerable historical value that were taken from Osterley House this July.

They were called on Thursday, 16 July at around 4.40pm following a report that the items had been taken from a locked cabinet.

A wedding was being held at the venue in the main entrance hall on the first floor of the building, however the room which contained the items was closed to the public at the time.

The cups and saucers are Berlin porcelain, they are 300 years old and dating from the Georgian period. The cups are inscribed with the busts of Russian ruler Catherine the Great and Prussian king Frederick William II who reigned during the 18th century. Made between 1770 and 1775, the items are described as being dark blue and painted 'en grisaille' with heavy gilding, flower sprays, finials and branch handles.

Detective Constable Ray Swan, from the Mets Art's and Antiques Unit said: "The cups and saucers are of significant historical value, we believe that whoever took them specifically targeted these pieces. We would urge anyone who may know of their whereabouts to come forward as they may hold vital information to help us catch whoever was responsible for this burglary."

Anyone with information should call the Met's Arts and Antiques Unit on 020 7230 2150 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

August 21, 2015