AN art collector is prepared to dispose of a very rare and unique miniature portrait, painted on ivory by a celebrated artist, of William of Orange and Mary Stuart, king and queen of England 1689-1742.’

Such was the extraordinary notice which featured among the exhibits at Hampshire Quarter Sessions in 1948 when a pensioner stood trial for stealing several items from two elderly women at Ringwood.

The prosecution claimed 77-year-old Frederick Fardo had taken the painting and other property, including rare coins, to have them valued but then attempted to sell them on his own behalf.

When police caught up with him, he was asked if he had any other stolen property and he immediately pulled a pair of spectacles from his pocket.

Faro, who denied theft, told jurors his sole motive for the miniature and coins was to have them valued.

However, the panel quickly dismissed that notion in returning their guilty verdicts. They learned that Fardo was an old rogue, with 15 previous convictions.

“He is clever, plausible, heartless and a persistent offender,” was the damning character appraisal from PC Morgan informing the court of his antecedents and background.

The chairman, the Hon. Ewen Montague KC, jailed him for two years.