Cameron Anderson charged over theft of John Oxley seal from Old Government House

A man has been arrested 430km away from where a gold 19th century seal - valued at more than $60,000 - went missing from Old Government House in Parramatta.

A western Sydney man has been arrested 430km away in the state's Riverina region after allegedly stealing a 19th century gold seal worth $60,000 from Old Government House.

Cameron Anderson, 43, appeared in Wagga Local Court last Friday after he allegedly stole the 18-carat century gold seal from an exhibit in Parramatta earlier this year.

The St Marys man is facing one count of intentionally or recklessly damaging property by fire/ explosive and one count of break and enter a dwelling or building and commit a serious offence.

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

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

The fob seal was taken from its exhibition at Old Government House, Parramatta, between 2.30pm and 2.45pm on Thursday, May 13.

Following inquiries and public appeal, Parramatta and Riverina police arrested the 43-year-old man in Junee about 5.30pm last Thursday.

Court documents state on May 13, Mr Anderson broke into the Powerhouse museum's collection at Old Government House at Parramatta, where he stole a rare 19th century gold seal.

Police will allege Mr Anderson damaged the perspex glass with fire in order to attain the rare seal.

The seal is still missing and police continue to investigate its whereabouts.

The John Oxley seal, named after the explorer and former Surveyor-General of NSW, from 1812, is made of engraved rock crystal and is mounted in an 18-carat gold converted fob-watch, measuring 52mm x 24mm x 12mm.

It bears the family crest and is engraved with the Latin motto “Patientia et Fortitudine” or “Patience and Strength”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.