The duke was granted the Hyde Park Corner building, also known as 'Number One London', after his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, and it is said to have "one of the finest art collections in London, with paintings by Velazquez and Rubens as well as a wonderful collection of silver and porcelain".
The thieves struck in the private apartments on June 14 and one of the paintings stolen is attributed to Luigi Eusebi, after Romano: The Madonna and Child (Madonna della Sedia), measuring 11 x 8½in (28 x 22cm), which can be traced back to the first Duke of Wellington.
The other is by Luigi Eusebi, after Correggio's La Zingarella, signed and dated 1.1.: Luigi Eusebi c.1811, in gouache over printed base, also 11 x 8½in (28 x 22cm).
Other items taken were a bust of the Duke of Wellington in bronze, dark brown patina, on a blue john column, mounted on a black marble base, 10½in (26.5cm) high; a small miniature portrait of the Duke of Wellington painted on ivory, framed in ebony; and an assortment of small ceramic objects.
Anyone with information should call Det Con Ian Lawson or Det Sgt Claire Hutheon at the Met Police Art and Antiques Unit on 020 7230 2150 or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
• Apsley House was given to the nation by the 7th Duke of Wellington in 1947 and is open to the public, administered by English Heritage.
