Tuesday, February 05, 2008

The Daniel Lorello Thefts and eBay

News of the arrest of veteran archivist Daniel Lorello, who admitted to stealing hundreds of historic items from the New York State Library, was brought to my attention in yesterday’s mail. I received a letter from the New York Attorney General’s Office. It provided basic details about the case, including an examination of eBay records, which appears to have been his preferred method of disposing of the stolen property. Three carte de visite photographs that I purchased in the last two years came from Lorello, all identified soldiers from New York regiments.

I replied immediately by email, explaining that the images are in my possession, safely stored in archival materials, and that I would cooperate fully with the investigation.

My first and foremost desire is to restore these photographs to their rightful owners — the citizens of New York.

I am profoundly disturbed by the conduct of Mr. Lorello. To violate the trust that comes with his position for personal gain is unconscionable. Lorello’s actions disrespect his fellow citizens, educators and historians, and, perhaps most importantly, future generations of Americans who will seek to understand and appreciate our past.

While eBay served as a sales tool for stolen property, it also led to Lorello’s arrest after an alert eBayer found a one-of-a-kind letter signed by John C. Calhoun — a document that the eBayer learned had belonged to the state.

Cartes de visite are not one-of-kind documents. Their original popularity is due to the fact that multiple prints could be made from a single glass negative and were sold by the dozen. A surprising number of prints survive. For this reason, they are easier to sell or otherwise dispose of than an original Calhoun letter.

Regardless, we have a responsibility to be watchful for stolen items, as well as counterfeits and other forgeries. I’ve seen all of this during my experience as a collector. I always have, and will continue, to see that justice is done and that these unique relics are in their proper, legal place.

4 Comments:

OpenID mamabroker said...

I also received a similar letter - I had bought a CDV of the Declaration of Independence only a couple of weeks ago for $10. I made a paypal payment and never received the item. For some funny reason I don't think I will be receiving it. I have not answered the letter, but will not feel more obligated to do so tomorrow. The interesting thing is that he had received 100% feedback over the past years so one would never expect any wrongdoing!

6:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Follow-up on my last comment - Imagine my surprise when I opened mail today and found the original money order I sent to Lorello - He had returned it (letter had his return address). So it appears he tried to do the right thing to at least return the money - that you might enjoy that tidbit! Martha

10:05 PM  
Anonymous Dean said...

Ron...I came across your website and this blog when searching for an update on Dan Lorello..I had heard he was to be back in court a few days ago and wondered what the status was. I have to wonder if anything in my collection might have come through him. It is truely a shame.

That all being said...one positive thing to come from all of this was that I discovered your website! It is spectacular...as the welcome page played images and music, I hoped it would not stop! A very nice high quality presentation. I have added it to my favorites and will be sure to visit often. Also looking forward to the Confederate version of your images book. Thank you!

11:36 AM  
Blogger Ron Coddington said...

I have not heard the results of Lorello's scheduled court date. I have talked with Kay Jorgensen, my editor at the Civil War News. She is planning full coverage of the story in the next issue.

— Ron
PS: Many thanks for your kind comments about my site!

5:23 PM  

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