The striking stainless steel armillary sphere was taken from a property on the back road between Middlebie and Eaglesfield.
Owner Linda Gilbert was devastated to find the three-foot-tall sphere missing and its pedestal, which took the ornament to over six-feet tall, had been kicked to the ground.
Explaining its sentimental value, she said: “My husband and I bought it as a wedding anniversary present nine years ago, it wasn’t a special anniversary but we just really liked it and wanted it.
“When I contacted the insurance company to report it I almost had a heart attack when they told me the replacement value – £9850.
“Not many places make them now.”
The theft occurred between Thursday February 8 and Monday February 12.
Mrs Gilbert says the sphere could have been rolled away, but this would have been difficult given its dimensions.
Police are investigating and sergeant Steven Wilson said: “It appears that this item would have had to be forcibly removed from the garden of the house, which sits on the back road between Middlebie and Eaglesfield.
“We want to hear from anyone who may have been on this road over the weekend, and perhaps seen or heard anything suspicious, or who has any information as to who may have been respon- sible for this theft.”
Contact police on on 101 and quote the reference PDG 0031340218.
