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Peter G. Powers, Esquire

Page 3

[[underlined]] Historical Jewels [[/underlined]]

On June 8, 1964, Mrs. Post and her daughters, Mrs. Riggs and Mrs. Barzin, entered into formal agreements with the Smithsonian Institution to donate designated items of historical jewelry and lace. The conditions imposed on the gifts recited that if the Smithsonian accepts "hill wood" to be operated as a Museum, "without in any way limiting the absoluteness of the gifts," the Donors "specifically request" that the articles be exhibited there. Among these items from Mrs. Post are: Princess Eugenie Ring, Emerald and Diamond Necklace, Maximilian Emerald Ring, Hapsburg Lace. Mrs. Barzin gave the Marie Antoinette Earrings and Mrs. Riggs gave the Marquise Diamond Ring.

[[underlined]] Articles Bought "For" Hillwood Before December 14, 1968 [[/underlined]]

On several subsequent occasions, Mrs. Post coordinated efforts with the Smithsonian Institution in the acquisition of special objects. The acquisitions were usually selected as appropriate specimens for display at the future museum. See Mr. Watkins' letter of December 31, 1970 listing many specimens, including the "chalice" (now at the Smithsonian Institution) and a number of other items, "candelabra, bloodstone box, bread and salt dish", etc., (now at "Hillwood".) Mr. Watkins wrote "Your home, Hillwood, is a splendid location for these items ---."

It should be noted that, during Mrs. Post's lifetime, various articles were transferred back and forth. For example, in Mrs. Post's letter of July 25, 1967 to Mr. Paul Getty, she mentioned that "when HILLWOOD is open in the Spring and Fall, the beautiful Chalice will be at HILLWOOD with the Russian Collection there."

The Chalice and the Order of the Golden Fleece travelled back and forth, for purposes of display and safekeeping (when "Hillwood" was not occupied by Mrs Post). After her death it was sent to the Smithsonian Institution for safekeeping and display.

So that the current location of articles at the moment of Mrs. Post's death should not be the determining factor as to their appropriate permanent location.

A more pertinent consideration would be whether the article was "pre-December 14, 1968", when "Hillwood" was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. Such articles more clearly "belonged" to "Hillwood."

[[underlined]] Order of the Golden Fleece [[/underlined]]

The Order of the Golden Fleece is an example of an article