Treasure stolen by the Nazis from Jews and other victims and subsequently captured by the Allies today went on exhibition at the United Nations Galleries here in the beginning of a nationwide search for surviving victims who might claim objects looted from them or their relatives.
The treasure, which was turned over to the International Refugee Organization to aid in the rehabilitation of DP’s, was subsequently sold. In a statement issued here the United Nations Galleries declared that it hopes that identifying marks will enable survivors or relatives to claim the items and receive them as gifts before public purchasers buy them in the sale which is being carried on simultaneously with the exhibition.
Containing one of the largest collections of silverware, the exhibit includes scores of hairlooms bearing family inscriptions which the Nazis took from their victims. Some of the objects still bear the pasted receipts issued by the Nazis to the original owners. Among the pieces are candlesticks, religious wine cups, candelabras, bowls, baskets, anuff boxes, wine and cordial sets, coffee and tea sets, urns and vases.
Among the engraved objects are some that are inscribed as follows: “Moshe Polichek”; “Fischel the Writer”; and “Dr. Albonyi Yorsef.” One wine cup bears the initials “M.J.” and a marking “ghetto.” An Essrig silver box is inscribed as coming from “proud parents” to “Moshs, Mendel Eisler” or “Isler.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
