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The late Duke of Brunswick was a victim of diamond-buying infatuation, and had a collection of them valued at five hundred thousand pounds. He spent his last years in Paris, and such was his fear of being robbed of these objects of worship, that he would not sleep from his house a single night. He resided in a house built more for safety than comfort, and was proof against fire and thieves. It was surrounded by a lofty, thick wall, on the top of which was a chevaux-de-frise, so arranged that when a strange hand was laid on one of the spikes, a bell immediately began ringing. This defence cost the duke no less than two thousand pounds.
The diamonds were kept in a safe let into the wall, and the duke's bed stood before it. Had the safe been attempted forcibly, four guns would be discharged, and kill the burglar on the spot, and with the discharge of the guns was connected the ringing of an alarm bell in every room, to arouse the household. His bedroom had only one small window; the bolt and lock on the door were of the stoutest iron, and could only be opened by a man who knew the secret. A case containing twelve loaded revolvers stood by the side of the bed. |
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Precious Stones Vol 11
>> About the Security Surrounding the Diamonds of the Duke of Brunswick
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