Stolen Art Watch, U-Haul, U-Sleepover, U-Lose Antique Heirlooms

U-Haul Truck & Trailer Of Antiques Reported Stolen In Columbia, S.C.

Many antique items were taken when a U-Haul truck and trailer were stolen around 3:30 am on February 17 from a motel parking lot.

The items were family heirlooms, not intended to be resold but rather were being moved from Dallas, Texas, to the owners' now restored historic 1728 Cape Cod house in Westhampton Beach, N.Y.

According to the police report, the thieves forced entry into the vehicle, a late model white and orange U-Haul truck and trailer, and removed it from the Comfort Inn parking lot. Broken glass at the scene indicated that the thieves had busted out the passenger side window. The break-in was recorded on surveillance video, and the police later recovered the vehicle and trailer in Hopkins, S.C. The vehicle, however, appeared to be rummaged through and items were missing.

Valued at $200,000, the stolen items are too numerous to list in total, but highlights include Tiffany blown glass beer tankards; a three-drawer mahogany chest of drawers, circa 1900–20, with brass fittings; an antique six-drawer mahogany, bowfront high chest with original brass fittings; a mahogany single-drawer writing desk, bowfront with cabriole legs; pair of French antique sofas with rolled arms, hardwood frames, down filled cushions with silk stripped upholstery; pair of coral wool upholstered chairs, down seat cushions, carved wood frame and carved feet; and a pair of antique mahogany commodes with coral color marble tops, carved drop door fronts, 36 by 12 by 14 inches.

A complete set of sterling silver in wood box, setting for 12, plus accessory serving pieces, in the Francis I pattern; an English oil portrait painting depicting a lord in red robe, gold leaf gilt frame, 40 by 60 inches; an antique oil painting still life of fruit and bowl in a gilt frame, 3 by 4 feet; an oil painting featuring Hudson River-style landscape, 3 by 2 feet; antique glass fruit bowl, nut and candy dishes; and a round cast bronze pedestal bowl with heavily detailed figures on surface, approximately 12 inches tall, were also among the items reported stolen.

Anyone having information about any of these stolen items is asked to contact Detective Davis Goff of the Richland County Sherriff's Department at 803-576-3071 or email dgoff@rcsd.net . The case number is 1202011717.