The labels are worth a few hundred pounds each and include examples such as the c.1798 M. Binley Madeira and the c.1775 T. Howell White Wine. Amongst those that are readily recognisable are a Susanna Barker star Madeira and a Brandy with the flying fox design. The collector from Heathfield had built up a collection of over 500, but had sold most of them before the theft occurred.
A full list of the stolen labels is available from the Wine Label Circle (phone 01908 670393) and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Miles at Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 and ask for Hailsham station. The crime reference number is EW2/7884/04.
Rare wine labels stolen in break-in
A 90-year-old member of the Wine Label Circle has lost 70 items from his collection during a break-in at his East Sussex home. The wine labels were the only items taken in the theft.