Letter from Schaeffer to Schaff on the excavationsClaude Frédéric-Armand Schaeffer

29 September 1969

Dr. U. SCHAAFF Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum Ernst-Ludwig-Platz 2 MAINZ Germany

Dear Dr. Schaaff!

My reply to your kind letter of the 19th has been delayed by my absence in the Greek islands, from which I only returned yesterday. I learn here from Mr Joffroy that he will not return from his excavations to Saint-Germain until after [handwritten: underlined] 6 October. Your and Professor Headt's discussion with him regarding the moulding of Vix should therefore be arranged for after 6 October.

I had a conversation with Joffroy about the problem and had succeeded in making him more favourably disposed to the question. However, he is not alone in taking the decision; but he would first have to say "yes", then his Minister and the commune of Chatil-lon-sur-Seine could not simply say "no". My intervention with Joffroy is thus concluded for the moment. I shall return to the negotiation should difficulties arise.

I would advise you first to undertake your study of the solid-hilted dagger, and on this occasion also to raise with Joffroy the problem of the Vix moulding and ask his opinion. However, do not demand an immediate decision, since Joffroy is not a man of authority, and is cautious, almost timid, and will approach the matter. Simply say that from the scientific and research standpoint an exhibition of the Vix finds in Saint-Germain itself and in Mainz would be very valuable, and that the extraordinary find would become far better known. The copies in Saint-Germain and Mainz would be the best propaganda for the originals and would draw even more visitors there. The thousands of copies circulated of all the known and most important masterpieces in all large museums show, by experience, that this is the case, and that they have never harmed the originals or their appeal. - I have given Mr Joffroy one further personal argument, which I can mention only orally and later.

Handwritten: illegible mark