A man in Bavaria made a remarkable discovery after purchasing a second-hand safe for just £12.99. Upon inspecting the safe at home, he found a 250-gram gold bar hidden in a secret compartment, valued at approximately £28,500 based on current gold prices.
Legal Concerns Prompt Police Involvement
The buyer, a resident of Trostberg, contacted the police to ensure he was not breaking any laws. Trostberg police spokesman Nicolai Weiss told German newspaper Bild: “The buyer contacted us. He didn’t want to do anything illegal and wanted to know what to do.” Officers later spoke to the seller, who had listed the safe on behalf of his 90-year-old grandfather. It is believed the grandfather accidentally left the gold ingot inside.
Resolution Through Civil Courts
Weiss stated that the buyer and seller must now negotiate ownership of the gold or resolve the matter through civil courts with legal assistance. This is not the first such find in the region; in 2016, a teenage girl discovered a 500-gram gold bar while swimming in Koenigssee lake, rumored to house Nazi treasures. However, officials dismissed Nazi connections, noting the bar dated from a different period.
Other Gold Discoveries in Germany
In another case, a town in east Germany was allowed to keep 10 gold bars found by a municipal worker mowing lawns. After no credible owner came forward within the statutory period, the town of Bannewitz, near Dresden, retained the bars. Mayor Heiko Wersig said the proceeds will benefit local community clubs, particularly those involved in youth work and preserving traditions. The bars, worth around £34,600, remain in police custody until a council decision.
