Shortly after the purchase, the collector learned the weapon was a stolen cultural treasure from France; however, no effort was made to return it to French authorities. The French Government recently contacted the FBI after they learned the owner was now attempting to sell the weapon through the Internet. An undercover operation was initiated by local FBI agents, and agents from the FBI's Art Crime Team, which resulted in the safe recovery of the weapon late yesterday evening...

Prosecution against the gun collector for violating international laws regarding the sale of stolen antiquities is being reviewed by the United Sates Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas.