A 19th-century vase that was purchased in 1867 by the founder of the Walters Art Gallery was destroyed Wednesday when a thief attempting to sneak it out of the gallery dropped it, officials said yesterday.
The French Sevres porcelain, valued at $6,000 to $10,000, had been displayed as part of period decor in the 19th-century artwork section, on the fourth floor of the gallery in the 600 block of North Charles Street, a gallery spokesman said.
Just before 3 p.m. Wednesday, a man hid the vase in his overcoat and attempted to walk out the Centre Street entrance. He was stopped by security officers, said Lt. Joseph Richardson of the Central District.