TRUMAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY THEFT

Truman Presidential Library
Independence, Missouri
March 24, 1978

Download Poster

Images

Display case in the library lobby before the theft
Weapon grip decorated with 9 diamonds in linear pattern, scabbard decorated
with four diamonds in rhomboid shape
Weapon ivory grips, gold decoration chain leading from hand guard to pommel,
diamonds and rubies on grips and scabbard
Weapon dagger hilt inlaid with 4 diamonds surrounding 1 emerald. Lower grip of
dagger has 15 small diamonds surrounding oval ruby. Scabbard has 4 rubies at the throat and is also inlaid with
an emerald over a ruby surrounded by 12 small diamonds. At tip of scabbard is ruby surrounded by 12 small
diamonds.
Sword gemstone (diamond) decoration on grips and scabbard, gold chain from hand
guard to pommel of sword
Display case in the library lobby after the theft

Reward:

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the recovery of the swords stolen from the Truman Presidential Library or the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible.

Details:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Kansas City Field Office in Missouri is seeking information leading to the recovery of artifacts stolen in 1978 from the Truman Presidential Library, located at 500 West U.S. Highway 24 in Independence, Missouri.
 
On March 24, 1978, around 6:30 a.m., a car pulled up near the south gate of the library. Two suspects, believed to be aware of the library’s security procedures, broke into the library and smashed a display case in the lobby. The display case contained three ceremonial swords and two daggers that had been given to President Truman by the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Saud and the Shah of Iran.
 
The theft took just minutes, and the suspects fled the building through a window. The items stolen were valued between $700,000 and $1,000,000 in 1978.

Submit a Tip:

Anyone with information regarding the artifacts stolen from the Truman Presidential Library is asked to contact the FBI's Kansas City Field Office directly at (816) 512-8200.

You may also contact your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

Field Office: Kansas City

Submit an anonymous Tip online