10 Missing Heirlooms and Artifacts Still Unexplained
These legendary treasures vanished without a trace—and the world is still looking for answers.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Some items and heirlooms have vanished inexplicably. This led to countless theories, myths, and speculations. These items continue to be elusive whether they are misplaced throughout time, lost to conflict, or taken by criminals. These 10 intriguing objects went missing and have never been located for sure, raising more questions than answers.
1. The Amber Room
Buster&Bubby on Flickr
Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Amber Room was a lavish chamber made entirely of amber panels and gold. Gifted to Russia by Prussia, it was stolen by the Nazis during World War II.
2. The Honjo Masamune
CT Snow on Wikimedia Commons
Forged by Japan’s most famous swordsmith, the Honjo Masamune symbolized power during the Tokugawa shogunate. It was last recorded in the 1940s when it was surrendered to American forces after WWII.
3. The Lost Crown Jewels of Ireland
LeontinaVarlamonva on Wikimedia Commons
These royal relics were stolen from Dublin Castle in 1907 and disappeared without a trace. The heist shocked the public and led to a massive investigation, but no arrests.
4. The Florentine Diamond
sameer Ali on Unsplash
This massive yellow gem once adorned European royalty, including the Habsburgs. It vanished after World War I, likely during the family’s exile.
5. The Ark of the Covenant
Mary Harrsch on Flickr
According to biblical lore, this sacred chest held the Ten Commandments. It was housed in Solomon’s Temple but disappeared after the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem.
6. The Imperial Fabergé Eggs
Miguel Hermoso Cuesta on Wikimedia Commons
Of the 50 eggs crafted for the Russian Tsars, several are still unaccounted for. Each was a unique work of art, encrusted with jewels and intricate surprises. Some turned up in private estates or auctions, but a handful remain missing.
7. The Peking Man Fossils
Ryan Somma on Wikimedia Commosn
Discovered in China in the 1920s, these ancient human remains were considered key to understanding early mankind. During WWII, they were packed for safe transport to the U.S.—but never arrived.
8. The Crown Jewels of Bavaria
José Luiz on Wikiemdia Commons
Hidden during the fall of the German monarchy in 1918, these jewels included ornate regalia and historical treasures. Despite countless searches and legends, they’ve never resurfaced.
9. The Stone of Scone (Temporarily Missing)
Aaron Bradley on Wikimedia Commosn
Scottish nationalists stole the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey in 1950. It was eventually recovered months later. However, during its absence, a fake may have been swapped in. Some believe the real stone is still hidden in Scotland.
10. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Battle of Anghiari”
Qwertzu111111 on Wikimedia Commons
Known as the lost masterpiece, this mural was painted in Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio and then disappeared. Some claim it lies hidden behind another wall painting, covered but not destroyed. Efforts to uncover it have been controversial and inconclusive.