BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) -- The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating after a rare, 64-pound silver statue of Abraham Lincoln was stolen from Houmas House and Gardens Saturday night, according to officials.

The statue, created by Gustav Borglum, the sculptor behind Mount Rushmore, was one of the most cherished pieces in the estate’s collection. Houmas House said many guests considered it their favorite item on the tour. The statue was reportedly a model for the next president, intended to be carved into Mount Rushmore.

APSO confirmed its Property Crimes Unit is handling the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's office anonymously at 225-621-4636 or by texting 847411. Tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7

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