2. Bronze Egyptian Statuette – 1910
In April 1910, a newly dug-up bronze statue of the Egyptian goddess Neith was stolen from her perch on the second floor of the museum. It was only a few days later when she was found in a pawn shop window in the Bowery. According to an article from April 24th, 1910 in the New York Times, the pawnbroker had no idea he was handling a 2,500-year-old treasure, he thought “it might make a good paperweight” and would be a nice knickknack to decorate the window with. He gave the “poorly dressed man” who brought it in 50 cents. The true value of the statue at the time was $1,500.
Once news of the theft hit the newspapers, the pawnbroker realized he had stolen goods in his possession. When the police came into his shop, the pawnbroker knew exactly what they were there for. When the statue was returned, its left hand was missing, which was holding a staff was missing. The statue is now on view in the Egyptian wing.
