A BRASS nameplate has been stolen from an historic locomotive while it was on display at the National Railway Museum.
The black oval plate was taken from the Furness Railway 0-4-0 No 3, a steam locomotive built in 1846. Staff discovered the theft during cleaning.
The locomotive - nicknamed Coppernob because it has a copper dome over its fire box - is on display at the York museum's Station Hall.
Andrew Scott, head of the museum, said: "These great railway treasures are openly displayed in good faith for the benefit of the thousands of visitors.
"The plate taken from Coppernob is priceless to the nation, but worth much less on the open market because it can never be sold or displayed honestly.
"We will, as a matter of course, review our security arrangements."
Coppernob was used to pull iron ore and slate from North Cumbria, and hauled the first passenger train on the Furness Railway.
Anyone with information is asked to call York police on 0845-60-60-247.
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