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Golden, early 20th century trophy stolen from Ajax Museum

18 April: Ajax historians are in shock: on Wednesday 16 April, the Gouden Meerbeker ('Golden Meer Cup') and a golden baseball were stolen from the Ajax Museum inside the Amsterdam ArenA. The theft took place in broad daylight, during opening hours. Apparently, the burglars entered the museum as normal visitors.

Ajax won the Gouden Meerbeker three times, between 1917 and 1920. As usual in football, the original trophy became Ajax's property after winning it three times. It was not a very prestigious orprominent trophy at the time. In fact, Ajax chairman Egeman had it made in 1916 after his club had failed to get promoted to the First Class of Dutch football. Egeman wanted Ajax to win something and came up with the idea of a golden trophy for the champion of Amsterdam's Watergraafsmeer area.

However, the historic and emotional value of the unique trophy is enormous. Also, it is one of the only trophies in the world made out of pure gold. A golden baseball, won by Ajax's baseball section (which was dissolved in 1972), was also stolen. The thieves apparently managed to silently break one of the glass cabinets and smuggle its contents out of the museum.

Thijs Lindeman, director of the Ajax Museum: "I think this is absolutely terrible. I noticed immediately that the cup had disappeared (...) Of course it is insured. But you can't insure emotional value. I hope the Ajax family will mobilize to get the trophy back into the Ajax Museum."

Wim Schoevaart Junior, 85 year-old 'Super Ajacied' and keeper of the club archives, said: "This is a major loss for the club. Besides the Dutch championship this was the most important trophy Ajax won in those years. The Gouden Meerbeker is unique. I do not know any other club with a pure golden trophy in its club cabinet."

After the burglary Ajax immediately took extra security measures in the Ajax Museum. Extra locks were added to each glass cabinet and the number of security videocameras was doubled. (MP)

(Source: Ajax.nl)