New-York tribune., 1907-05-23
MADE A S125,OOO HAUL.
NOT An ANTIQUE GAME.
Detectiues Looking for Man dc
cused by Je5ccIry Dealers.

An alleged swindle by which several of the
largest dealers in precious stones in the Maiden
Lane district were defrauded out of jewels
amounting in value over S125.0G0 has come
10 light through Indictment obtained on
Tuesday against J. Edward Boeck. According
TO a prominent in the jewery trade Boeck
first became known about year ago. when he
engaged offices at No. 40 Broadway and an
nounced that he was the New York representa-
tive of the firm of Boeck & Suttile dealers in
antiques, the main office, he said being in Hong
Kong, China.
Boeck soon made many friends in the iewelrv
business. Ee seemed TO be on good terms with
wealthy art collectors, and on several occasions
acted as agent for these men in purchasing
works of art and precious stones About six
months ago Boeck began 10 take jewels on an
proNaI from several of the largest stores in the
city, saying that he had buyer for them.
Ihere was no suspicion as to Boecks good
faith When. on May To- he disappeared It
caused CONSERVATION in Maiden Lane A search
was made for him. but he was nowhere to he
found. and as a last resort the Jewellers Pro-
tectiNe Union. Of which the victims are MEM
bers. called in the Pinkertons When an in
Fesugauon was made it was found that Boeck
was debtor TO these firms for between 500 600
and S150OO0
The Pinkertons could find no trace Of Boeck
and II was thought at first that he had been a
victim OF foul play. Several days ago letter
was received by one Of the firms from Boeck
pOstmarked Philadelphia, containing pawn
tickets for over $4,000 Of the jewelry The
tickets were turned in and the property re-
deemed, but the recovery of the rest of the plum
Der is in doubt.
Ludwig. Nissen G. Co, Of No. IS2 Broadway,
was one of those approached by Boeck. but as
the members did not know him they refused to
allow him TO take goods approval. a dealer
in. Fifth avenue. near 39th street. who
known TO the firm. then came and obtained goods
amounting to over $4,000 and gave his 'guaran-
tee He then turned the goods over to Boeck
and that is the last that the dealer has seen
Of them.
Ludwig. Nissen & Co will lose nothing by the
transaction. they protected by the deal
ers guarantee. The other firms affected
Alfred H. Smith & Co. of No. Maiden Lane.
and Marsellus, Pitt & Co. of the address.
II was learned that in addition to the firms
mentioned several women victims of
Boeck His manners and appearance made him
favorte with the women, and two Of them
have come forward with the story that the miss
ing man obtained diamonds to the value Of S14,-
Oo0 from them on the pretext that he had a,
market for their sale
Boeck it was said yesterday, is native OF
Pennsylvania, and was in trouble there some
time ago on a similar charge He has been in
China but il is not known in what capacity.
At the Office of PhihiR. Beekna9 & MenkenA .at--
torneys for the jewellers. it was said last night
that they did not TO discuss the case. One
OF the jewellers said that the Pirkertons are
close on the trail Of Boeck, and that his arrest
should follow in a few days. One Of his closest
friends was a prominent bookmaker and 1t is
said that all Of the money that Boeck made was
placed at the racetrack on sure things.