Man charged over alleged theft of rare 19th-century gold seal

A man has been charged over the alleged theft of a rare 19th-century gold seal from an exhibit in Sydney's west.

Explorer John Oxley's fob seal was allegedly taken from its exhibition case at Old Government House, Parramatta, between 2.30pm and 2.45pm on May 13 earlier this year.

John Oxley was appointed the Surveyor-General of NSW from 1812.

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The seal includes the family crest and is engraved with the motto 'Patientia et Fortitudine' or 'Patience and Strength.'

"It is made of engraved rock crystal and is mounted in an 18-carat gold converted fob-watch, measuring 52mm x 24mm x 12mm," NSW Police said in a statement.

Officers arrested a 43-year-old man in Junee about 5.30pm last Thursday.

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The man was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged.

Charges included break and entering and damaging property by fire or explosion.

The 43-year-old appeared at Wagga Wagga Local Court on November 26 where he was refused bail.

He will appear at Parramatta Local Court on December 9.

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The seal still has not been recovered and police are still trying to find it.

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the seal is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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