A fascinating archive of more than 200 stolen letters, greeting cards and telegrams is to be returned to its rightful owner, having been pulled from Mullock's auction of historical documents, which is due to take place today (May 21).

UK-based Mullock's has described the archive as "a time capsule of English middle-class romance during world war two".

The letters were stolen from the late vicar of Malvern, Peter Baron by care assistant Fernando Scali

Upon hearing about the sale, Claire Baron, daughter of the archive's late authors, Enid Cowburn and Peter Baron, requested that the letters be pulled from the auction, insisting that they had been stolen from her late father's home by dishonest care assistant Fernando Scali.

Scali, who is currently serving a prison sentence for the thefts, is also believed to have stolen crucifixes, bibles and a rare cello bow from Baron - a priest in Worcestershire, UK.

Baron told the Worcester News: "We were appalled and angry to discover these thefts because this man did not hesitate to steal and sell things that really meant a lot to the family, but meant nothing to him.

"The recovery of these letters will be absolutely wonderful."

Informed that Scali would be deported to his native Brazil upon completing his sentence, Baron responded that she was "delighted".

The story further highlights the importance of securing provenance with regard to collectible assets.

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