<p>I seem to recall reading about the modern incarnations (or descendants) of 18th century U.S. insurers, banks and the like insisting that newly-found lost or stolen treasure that belonged to (or was insured) by their predecessor now belongs to them.</p>
<p>It could be a nightmare for the finder if they truly found it. Shipwreck finders often lose what they find, sometimes to a foreign nation! </p>
<p>Still, this story reminds me of the woman who “found” a Renoir at a West Virginia flea market. It turns out, she found it in her mother’s garage and needed to create a story to avoid provenance issues and she did not succeed. </p>