On September 18, 2007 while conducting a proactive investigation into lost/stolen Works Progress Administration (WPA) artwork (V07-0001), GSA OIG investigators noted a sculpture on the internet auction site of eBay. The auction for the sculpture was titled "leonard jungwirth michigan wpa fap sculpture rare", and the item description read, "leonard d. Jungwirth (1903-1963) w.p.a. plaster painted sculpture signed j.d. jungwirth w.p.a. a world famous sculpture from michigan - specifically michigan state university and creator of sparty the spartan." Photos of the sculpture showed markings similar to those of WPA produced sculptures. The auction listed a "buy it now" price of $5,000.
This information was forwarded to fine arts specialists in the Office of The Chief Architect, GSA/Public Buildings Service, for review, who confirmed that the Fine Arts Program Office believed the sculpture to be an authentic WPA produced sculpture.
GSA OIG investigators contacted the possessor and coordinated communication between the possessor and GSA to arrange for the return of the sculpture to the US Government.
