The Romanian Treasure
Posted by Jess Dayuno on July 6th, 2008
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Photo Credit: tanakawho
Looking for antiques is very much like looking for treasure. There is one extraordinary treasure, a collection of the most valuable things, documents, art, gold was sent to Russia willingly by the government of Romania for supposedly safekeeping purposes during the height of World War I.
It was the gravest mistake they ever did because until today it was never returned. Some pieces were sent back but the bulk and the most important and the one with the most intrinsic value stayed in Russia.
The Romanian government felt during that time that Germany will eventually capture the whole Romania and would definitely get their hands on their most valuable possessions. They originally want it to send to England but some banker with such influence advise then Prime Minister Bratianu that Russia might be offended if they sent it to England and thus sealed the fate of the Romanian valuables.
Both government signed a treaty but unfortunately, there was a communist revolution in Russia and they did not respect the treaty that was signed. It only means that the Romanian valuables will stay in Russia. Each time a new administration seats in the Russian government, Romania tries to get it back.
In 1935, they did get some of it but the most important of them all, the Pietrosaele treasure, which of course – the gold never left the Russian soil. Out of the 42 carriages that were sent only two were returned.
Even after the fall of the USSR, whoever holds the highest position in Russia still refuses to return the treasure. Another treaty was signed between the two countries back in 2003 but the infamous treasure was never mentioned. Only an agreement that a commission will be created to make a study of the case was made.
If rumors should be believed, there are some items from the treasure that are already in the hands of some private collector.