Ep 137 - Birds of a Feather, Stolen Together: Edwin Rist

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In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into one of the most unusual heists in history. It’s a story that intertwines the world of ornithology, Victorian fly tying, and an autistic musical prodigy. This is the story of Edwin Rist, the feather thief.

Our journey begins at the Natural History Museum at Tring, a treasure trove of rare bird specimens. This museum, originally started by Walter Rothschild, houses an extensive collection of zoological effects, including a significant assortment of birds collected by Alfred Wallace. Wallace, a contemporary of Charles Darwin, was a pioneering biologist whose work on natural selection was groundbreaking. His collection of birds, insects, and other animals is of immense scientific value, providing insights into evolutionary processes.

Enter Edwin Rist, a young man from New York with a passion for two things: playing the flute and Victorian fly tying. Victorian fly tying is a niche but highly prestigious hobby that involves creating intricate fishing lures using feathers from rare and exotic birds. Edwin, who was also a student at London’s Royal Academy of Music, discovered the Tring museum and its invaluable bird collection. Under the guise of an ornithological researcher, he gained access to the museum’s rare specimens.

In a meticulously planned heist, Edwin broke into the museum and stole around 300 bird skins, including some that were extinct or extremely endangered. His goal was to use the feathers for his fly tying creations, which were highly sought after in the niche community of Victorian fly tying enthusiasts.

The theft went unnoticed for a month until the museum staff realized the birds were missing. The police, suspecting that the thief was someone within the fly tying community, scoured online forums and tracked down Edwin. He was arrested and immediately confessed, surrounded by rare bird feathers in his apartment.

Despite the gravity of his crime, Edwin avoided prison time due to his Asperger’s syndrome. He claimed that he sold the feathers to buy a new flute, highlighting his dual passions. While some of the stolen specimens were recovered, many remain missing, likely turned into lures or sold to collectors.

This episode not only uncovers the details of the heist but also sheds light on the importance of these rare bird specimens for scientific research. It’s a tale of obsession, crime, and the unexpected intersections of seemingly unrelated worlds.

Tune in to hear the full story and explore the fascinating world of the feather thief. You won’t want to miss this unique blend of history, crime, and ornithology.