Recovered: Five Stolen 18th-Century Snuff Boxes from Paris’s Cognacq-Jay Museum Found

Five of the seven stolen 18th-century snuff boxes from the Cognacq-Jay Museum in Paris have been recovered. This recovery is the result of a comprehensive investigation led by local law enforcement.

Details of the Recovery

Paris Musées announced the return of these valuable artifacts this week. The organization, which oversees several museums in Paris, confirmed the successful recovery.

A statement from Paris Musées highlighted the efforts of the Paris Criminal Investigation Department, which played a crucial role in locating the snuff boxes.

About the Stolen Snuff Boxes

Of the five recovered boxes, two were on loan from the Louvre Museum. The other three included two from the British royal family’s Royal Collection Trust and one from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

• Two boxes: On loan from the Louvre
• Two boxes: From the Royal Collection Trust (UK)
• One box: From the Victoria and Albert Museum (London)

Unfortunately, two snuff boxes remain unaccounted for, one from the Victoria and Albert Museum and one from the Royal Collection. The hunt for these missing artifacts continues.

Historical Significance of the Cognacq-Jay Museum

The Cognacq-Jay Museum contains an extensive collection of 18th-century art and objects. This collection was amassed by Ernest Cognacq, a prominent French businessman and the founder of La Samaritaine department stores.

Upon his passing in 1928, Cognacq bequeathed his art collection to the city of Paris, preserving his legacy and contributions to French culture.

The Daylight Heist

The theft occurred in November 2024 while the snuff boxes were featured in an exhibition titled “Pocket Luxury.” During the exhibition, masked thieves executed a brazen robbery in broad daylight.

Value of the Snuff Boxes

Each of the snuff boxes is estimated to be worth at least €1 million. They were originally designed to hold powdered tobacco and are adorned with gold, precious stones, mother-of-pearl, and enamel.

The return of these significant artifacts marks a success for law enforcement and cultural heritage preservation efforts in Paris.