The “entire collection of antique silver” has been stolen from a museum specialising in silver objects in Doesburg.

The break-in took place at around 4.30am on Wednesday morning, when two men forced their way into the Doesburg Martini church, which houses the museum. They smashed their way through a door and then broke all the display cabinets to get at the objects, the museum said in a statement.

More than 300 pieces, with a combined value of tens of thousands of euros, were taken.

“Only the ceramics, which were on temporary display, were left behind,” museum chairman Ernst Boesveld told Omroep Gelderland. The museum is insured, he said.

“This is not only about the theft of silver, but about stories, history and craftsmanship,” said museum founder Martin de Kleijn. “Pieces that have been collected over decades have disappeared overnight. It’s a personal loss and a loss for Doesburg.”

The collection of antique silver comes from more than 20 countries. The most valuable items include mustard pots, spoons and objects linked to the butter, vinegar and tobacco industries.

The price of silver has risen sharply in recent months.