Axe-wielding thieves targeted an exhibition of miniature precious objects at the Musée Cognacq-Jay in Paris on Wednesday morning, stealing seven highly prized snuffboxes, including two loaned by the British Crown. French media has widely reported that treasures worth a whopping €1 million ($1 million) were taken during the heist, but this figure has not been confirmed by Paris Musées, which is still assessing the damage.

In a brazen act of daylight robbery that was committed in front of visitors and staff, the gang broke into the building on Wednesday morning, during its opening hours, and used axes and baseball bats to smash a display case. Within just three minutes, they were already fleeing the scene on motorcycles. Nobody was injured.

The stolen objects were all loans from world class collections, including two from the nearby Louvre, three from the The Rosalinde & Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the V&A in London, and another two from the U.K.’s Royal Collection.

“Investigations linked to the enquiry and the assessment of this immense loss are underway,” said Paris Musées in an update statement published today. these are being coordinated by the City of Paris, the Brigade for the Suppression of Banditry (BRB), and national police. “Naturally, all protective measures have been taken.”

Snuffbox by Fabrique Royale makers in Berlin for Frederik II of Prussia (c. 1770-1775). Photo courtesy of Royal Collection Trust.

Titled “Luxe de Poche,” or “Pocket Luxury,” the exhibition that was targeted by the heist had brought together exquisite historical items designed to be small enough to slip into a pocket. It was due to close this Sunday, November 24, having had its run extended by two months due to high demand. Now, the show has permanently closed to the public and the museum will remain closed until December 10 so that the exhibit can be safely dismantled.

These included several snuffboxes, which were used in the 18th century to store snuff, a mixture of ground tobacco and scented oils. The most valuable, decorated examples became coveted collectors’ items in the 19th century.

One of the stolen items was a particularly exquisite piece from the Royal Collection, which loaned five items to “Pocket Luxury.” Made in Berlin in the 1770s for Frederik III of Prussia, the snuffbox’s green jasper case has mounted gold borders and foliage decorations encrusted with nearly three thousand diamonds.

Another from the Royal Collection was made in around c1740 and features an image of the Birth of Venus inset within radiating bands of gold and lapis lazuli.

In a statement published yesterday, Paris Musées said that a psychological unit had been set up to tend to those who witnessed the heist, especially staff members “who have shown great professionalism and an exemplary attitude in the face of this situation.”