LUMBERTON — A piece of stolen history has been recovered, thanks to good police work.
Lumberton Police Department detectives Yvette Pitts and Charles Keenum found on Thursday a sword stolen nearly two weeks ago from the Proctor Law Building, police Capt. Terry Parker said.
“We were able to locate the sword at a pawn shop,” Parker said Friday. “The medicine bottles and doctor bag are still missing.”
The Masonic Knights Templar sword dates back to the early 20th century and once belonged to Dr. H.M. Baker Sr.
“We would like to talk to the person who pawned the item, who is a person of interest,” Parker said. “We want to reiterate the person we want to talk to is not a suspect.”
The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pitts at 910-671-3845.
Pitts and Keenum checked several pawn shops in the area, Parker said. They found it about 9 a.m. Thursday at The House of Quality Pawn Shop, located at 219 North Elm St.
“We will retain custody of the sword until it can be returned to its rightful owner,” Parker said.
The sword belongs to Historic Robeson Inc., of which Colleen Brown is president.
“We will not actually have the sword in hand until after the 16th,” Brown said. “We are so pleased to get it back.”
The sword soon will be reunited with the rest of a set that included a coat, hat, and riding boots that Baker wore.
“We are very pleased,” Brown said. “Not only did the Lumberton Police Department help find the sword, the community, the St. Alban Masonic Lodge, The Robesonian and social media had a hand in keeping the story alive.
“I am very pleased that it will be back in its home to be shared by the public. History was preserved not lost. I thank everyone who showed support and those who helped get the sword back to its rightful place in the Proctor Building.”
The Proctor Law Building is considered Lumberton’s oldest building and is located at Sixth and Elm streets.
