John Oxley gold seal taken from Old Government House Parramatta

An investigation has been launched after a rare piece of 19th century gold jewellery belonging to explorer John Oxley was stolen from an exhibit in Sydney’s west.

An investigation is under way after a rare 19th century gold seal was taken from an exhibit at Old Government House at Parramatta.

Explorer John Oxley’s fob seal was stolen from its exhibition case at the historic house between 2.30pm and 2.45pm on Thursday.

John Oxley played a significant role in New South Wales colonial history as Surveyor-General of the state from 1812.

An investigation is underway after a rare 19th century gold seal was taken from an exhibit at Old Government House Parramatta on May 13, 2021.

The stolen seal shows the family crest and is engraved with the motto “Patientia et Fortitudine” meaning patience and strength.

The seal is made of engraved rock crystal and is mounted in an 18-carat gold converted fob-watch, measuring 52mm x 24mm x 12mm.

Oxley is perhaps best known for his exploration of the Tweed River and Brisbane River.

It was Oxley who explored and then recommended the building of a convict settlement at Moreton Bay which later became Brisbane.

Lyndal Stewart from Old Government House said the museum’s security staff discovered the item was taken after they spotted “someone acting suspicious” leave the building.

She said the security then did a sweep before alerting the manager and calling police.

“We employ the utmost security measures. All our staff are trained which is why they noticed the suspicious person leave,” Ms Stewart told The Parramatta Advertiser.

Ms Stewart said it appeared the alleged perpetrator used a tool to burn a hole in the display case to take the seal which has an insurance value of about $20,000.

Explorer and Surveyor-General John Oxley, who explored inland NSW to the north and northwest of Sydney and founded city of Brisbane in early 1800s.

A memorial to John Oxley, at Brisbane

“The item was displayed in a Perspex case that had specific latches and a locking mechanism that can only be opened with a special drill,” she said.

When asked about the significance of the seal, she said it was “incredibly important”.

“It tells the story of Oxley’s exploration. It’s valuable with a crystal stone and is set in gold.

“It’s extremely beautiful and an important part of Australian history.”

She pleaded for whoever took the item to return it back safely.

“It’s incredibly important to the National Trust and people of NSW that these items remain in the care of professional conservationists who are able to tell the story of Australia.

The 19th century gold seal was taken from an exhibit at Old Government House

“We are all very upset that this happened and plea for its safe return.”

Parramatta Detective Acting Inspector Sean Heagney said CCTV footage from Parramatta Park, the CBD and Westmead was being canvassed.

As inquiries continue, investigators are appealing for information and have released a description of a man that may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is described as having a dark complexion, about 175cm tall and of medium build.

He was seen wearing a black beanie, a dark top with a white stripe and carrying a small black backpack.

The seal was part of a temporary exhibition, Enquiring Minds, that focused on NSW colonial history in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Author Rob Tickle, from Beechwood, said he believed Oxley’s seal could be valued at about $100,000.

Mr Tickle, who wrote a book on the explorer in 2018, said Oxley was born in Yorkshire and joined the Royal Navy in 1799 as a midshipman.

The only known image of John Oxley. It is a miniature that Oxley presented to Anna King the wife of Governor King. Picture: Supplied

Copy of John Oxley’s book plate. Original held by Mitchell Library. Picture: Supplied

After Oxley left the navy he became Surveyor-General of NSW in 1812, a position he held until his death in 1828.

Oxley conducted two expeditions in NSW and discovered the Liverpool Plains in 1818.

“He came across New England to the headwaters of the Hasting River which he followed to its mouth. He called the mouth, Port Macquarie,” Mr Tickle told The Advertiser.

“The party then followed the coast to Newcastle. During this expedition, there were no deaths, black or white which cannot be said for later explorers.”

In 1819, he surveyed the harbour at Port Macquarie which resulted in the establishment of the penal colony. He also explored along the Queensland coast and selected the site for Moreton Bay which became Brisbane.

Mr Tickle claimed Oxley was not given full credit for his efforts in opening NSW up to settlement.

“It is often forgotten that when he started exploring the map of the interior of Australia was blank,” Mr Tickle said.

“No one except the Aboriginals had any idea what was in the interior. Every explorer after him could build on what he had done.”

He said his 2018 book, John Oxley A New Perspective, was written to give credit to Oxley and the other fifteen men on the 1818 expedition.

As inquiries continue, investigators are appealing for anyone with information that may assist to contact Parramatta Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police would also urge members of the public who may have been approached by anyone attempting to sell this item, to also come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.