The Washington times., 1905-08-29
ROBERT CASTELBERG, JR..
Believed to Have Had $4,000 Worth of
Jewels in Possession at Time
of Disappearance.

Robert Castelberg, son of the head
Of the Castelberg Jewelry Company.
with Offices in this city, Balti-
more. Philadelphia, and Norfolk, and
prior to February / a member of the
firm. has been missing from his home
in Baltimore since July %. Castelberg
has been absent from business circles
for a month. and 1t is said he had
S5e,000 worth of diamonds in his pos
session. which he obtained on consign-
ment from four New York firms
The first part Of the year, it is said.
Casteiberg became dissatisfied with his
connection with the jewelry company.
His father consented to his withdrawal
under the conditions that he would
enter the business field on his own
account. He was idle for several
months. on the lookout for an opening
He went to New York, and after visit
ing several OF the well-known diamond
importers found some Of the concerns
willing to deliver him diamonds of
great value on the strength of the high
standing of the firm of which he had
been a member
Considerable discussion in regard to
CasteIberg's Whereabouts has been going
ON among importers in New York and
the only reason the mysterious disap-
pearance has been kept secret so long
is because of the respect which is held
Tor Mr.. Castelberg. sr.
Hint of Foul Play.
In some circles foul play has been hint
cd at. while others contend there is ev-
cry reason to believe the young man
alive because OF a mysterious message
received on August TO- by four firms in
terested In the affair While it is
thought Castelberg received diamonds
from various concerns the following
are believed 10 be the ones from which
he received the most valuable consign-
ments: Sol Lindendorn. OF 170 Broad
way. Bonner & Co., of 10 Maiden lane:
B. II. Davis & Co. OF 6S Nassau street;
and Charles Marks. all dealers in dia-
monds
At the CastelberS Jewelry Company's
store in this city. il was said this morn
ing that Robert Castelberg had severed
his connection with the business on
February J. At that time notices were
published in all the papers stating that
the business would go on under the same
name, but that young Mr.. CasteIberg
was no longer interested He was in
this city last in April -Four weeks
ago a letter was received from him from
Baltimore This was shortly before he
was missed. and since then nothing has
been heard OF him in this city.
Father Here
Jacob Castelberg. father of Robert
CasteIbeTg. arrived in this city at noon
today He stopped at the store. 935 Penn
sylvania avenue, a few minutes and
then went TO his sons house TO consult
with his daughter-in-law. Mr. Castel-
berg said 10 a Times reporter that the
whole affair about his son had been
greatly exaggerated. and that every
thing would come out all right in a
few days.
have the slightest idea where his son
was at present. but he is positive he is
alive. as he was heard from four days
ago. Mr.. Castelberg declined TO state
In what manner he received the Informal
ton further than saying that some one
In Baltimore had received a letter.
When asked about the reason for his
sons Disappearance and IL the report
that he had $1,000 worth OF dia amonds
with him was true, Mr.. Castelberg
said
The cause of Bob's ruination was
gambling. He got in with a. fast crowd
of men who make their living playing
cards and betting on the horses. Bob
had always liked that sort of thing,
and was easily influenced by that kind
OF men.
his debts accumulated, and when ii came
10 a show down he couldn't face the
music. That is all there is to IL ex-
eept that everything will come out all
II is customary with jewelrv firms 10
place diamonds worth a fortune in the
hands OF person in whom they have
confidence. Tic precious stones are held
at call When the call is made the dia-
mondS are returned, or "A sum equiv
alent to their value handed to the i'm
porters. Members of firms which in
trusted the diamonds TO Castelberg had
know father and son for years.
TIE Casfelk.s-g Jewelry Company has
an excellent Handing I'm Maiden lane. II
vas fhis star ding that induced the firms