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Valuable Scrimshaw Pieces Stolen From Cape Museum

EASTHAM, Mass. (CBS/AP) -- Park rangers say two pieces of scrimshaw have been stolen from the Cape Cod National Seashore Museum.

Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent George Price says the theft from a locked case at the Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham was discovered Monday.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Don Huff reports

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One piece is a 22-inch long walrus tusk with the engraving "Ship. Wm. Thompson." The other is a 3 1/2-inch walrus head carved from a piece of walrus tusk.

Superintendent Price did not have an exact dollar value of the pieces, which date to the 19th century, but says both are very valuable.

"These wonderful pieces of maritime art belong to the American people," Superintendent Price lamented. "It is unfortunate that, for now, these scrimshaw pieces will not be available for viewing."

Several other scrimshaw items remain on display at the museum. National Parks Services investigators are getting help from local law enforcement looking for the pieces.

The museum will remain open during the investigation.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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