Edward Forbes Smiley III, American art thief and map dealer

Edward Forbes Smiley III, born on April 13, 1956, was once a prominent figure in the exclusive world of rare map dealing in America. However, his professional life took a dark turn, leading to his conviction as an art thief. In 2006, Smiley was found guilty of orchestrating the theft of 97 exceptionally valuable rare maps, originally appraised at a staggering sum exceeding US$3 million. For these egregious crimes, he was subsequently sentenced to 42 months in federal prison.

The Rare Map World and Smiley's Deception

Before his criminal activities came to light, Edward Forbes Smiley III was known within the niche yet passionate community of rare map collectors and dealers. This world thrives on historical significance, intricate cartography, and the tangible connection to past explorations and geopolitical shifts. As a dealer, Smiley would have cultivated relationships with various institutions and private collectors, gaining intimate knowledge of their holdings and security protocols.

His position afforded him access to some of the most precious cartographic treasures held in esteemed institutions. It was this privileged access that he ultimately exploited, turning his expertise from appreciation to illicit acquisition. The rare map market is not just about monetary value; these artifacts are invaluable historical documents, often unique and irreplaceable, chronicling humanity's understanding of the world.

The Modus Operandi of a Cartographic Thief

While specific details of every theft might vary, Smiley's method generally involved carefully removing valuable maps from rare books or atlases within libraries and archives. This often meant physically excising the maps, sometimes using a razor, leaving the damaged, less valuable books behind. The targeted institutions included venerable establishments such as the Boston Public Library, the New York Public Library, Yale University, and the British Library, among others. Such acts of mutilation not only resulted in the loss of individual maps but also damaged the integrity and historical value of the original volumes from which they were taken.

The Unraveling and Conviction

Smiley's sophisticated scheme began to unravel in 2005 when he was caught attempting to sell a stolen map at a dealer's fair in London. Alerted by suspicious markings, authorities initiated an investigation that quickly linked him to numerous thefts across multiple prestigious libraries in the United States and Europe. The subsequent legal proceedings culminated in his conviction in 2006. The court found him guilty of grand larceny, amongst other charges, highlighting the deliberate and extensive nature of his crimes.

The sentencing of 42 months in prison reflected the gravity of his actions – not merely the financial loss but also the betrayal of trust and the irreparable damage to cultural heritage. Many of the stolen maps, though recovered, required painstaking conservation efforts, and some remain lost or damaged, a poignant reminder of the fragility of historical collections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edward Forbes Smiley III

Who is Edward Forbes Smiley III?
Edward Forbes Smiley III is an American former rare map dealer who was convicted in 2006 of stealing 97 rare maps from various institutions, leading to a prison sentence.
What was his profession before his conviction?
He was a rare map dealer, a profession that gave him access to valuable historical cartographic collections.
What was he convicted of?
He was found guilty of art theft, specifically stealing 97 rare maps.
How much were the stolen maps valued at?
The stolen maps were originally valued at more than US$3 million.
What was his sentence?
Edward Forbes Smiley III was sentenced to 42 months (3 years and 6 months) in prison.
Which institutions were affected by his thefts?
His thefts impacted several prominent libraries and archives, including the Boston Public Library, the New York Public Library, Yale University, and the British Library, among others.
Were all the stolen maps recovered?
While many of the stolen maps were eventually recovered, some remained lost or were significantly damaged, requiring extensive conservation.