Police seek owner of 1922 silver anniversary chalice pawned in Port Jefferson Station

A silver chalice given to a couple for their 25th wedding anniversary -- in 1922 -- was recovered recently from a shop in Port Jefferson Station, where police said it had been pawned by a 24-year-old man.

Suffolk County police detectives are trying to locate the owner of the chalice and some sterling silver flatware that was also pawned to determine whether the items were stolen.

Police did not name the pawnshop or release information about the circumstances leading to discovery of the items. Investigators also are not releasing the first name on the chalice, hoping the rightful owner can provide the correct information about the engraving, which reads, in part:

"Presented to Mr. & Mrs. . . . Baitler by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Talmud Torah Torath Moses On Their 25th Wedding Anniversary DEC-24-1922."

Historical references indicate Talmud Torah Torath Moses was established in the Bronx in 1912 or 1913. It's not clear whether it still exists.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential. Callers are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”