“Why should the government?”
The French have an art law that says, in effect, if somebody sold something that is French art we can take it back without paying for it. Several classic cars were legitimately sold over the years and the US government has forced the owners to return them. The owners weren’t even compensated for restoring them. I understand this has happened with paintings and statues, etc.
“Several classic cars were legitimately sold over the years and the US government has forced the owners to return them.”
Were they classic French cars? How did the US government get involved? I imagine General de Gaulle’s limousine for example would be considered a national treasure! :)
The US government has similar laws for DMRS (Defense Marketing Reutilization Office) sales. Specifically, if the item is classified or has strategic value. Or if the item is prohibited for sale by DMRO rules, like weapons, munitions, etc.
The government has come back many times to reverse such sales.
Not sure about historical items, though.