FBI Recovers French Cultural Treasure Missing Since World War lI

SAN ANTONIO, TX—Ralph G. Diaz, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the San Antonio Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today that a rare Gastinne Renette carbine was recovered late yesterday.

The weapon is an extremely rare, hand-made carbine created by the famed French gunsmith, Gastinne Renette, for Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew, Napoleon III. The weapon was reported missing from the Paris Musee de l'Armee (Museum of the Army) sometime during the German occupation of Paris during the 1940's, and has been sought by French authorities since then. Recent investigation revealed that a gun collector from the San Antonio area acquired the weapon in the mid-1980's, unaware that it was stolen, during the purchase of a larger gun collection.

Shortly after the purchase, the collector learned the weapon was a stolen cultural treasure from France; however, no effort was made to return it to French authorities. The French Government recently contacted the FBI after they learned the owner was now attempting to sell the weapon through the Internet. An undercover operation was initiated by local FBI agents, and agents from the FBI's Art Crime Team, which resulted in the safe recovery of the weapon late yesterday evening. The Art Crime Team is the FBI's 12-member rapid-deployment unit responsible for investigating cases involving cultural property and artwork. To date, the Team is responsible for recovering more than 850 items worth more than $65million.

SAC Diaz said, "The FBI is pleased to be able to be involved in the recovery of this valuable piece of French cultural history. This is an example of the FBI's commitment to being at the forefront of investigating crimes involving high value, significant, or historic art work."

Prosecution against the gun collector for violating international laws regarding the sale of stolen antiquities is being reviewed by the United Sates Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas.