Solved: recovering long lost eBay item

[ashm]

Something totally off topic today!

I'm captain of a sports club that holds competitions and awards quite a bit of silverware annually, and every so often in the past we appear to have lost track of a trophy which hasn't been returned. A listing on eBay has been brought to my attention today - a silver cup which clearly bears the club name and dates from 1919. The seller's username indicates a connection with the sport, and even with my specific discipline.

I suspect that the trophy is still club property as it should have been returned, but none of the current committee can remember what it was awarded for, or when it was last seen. There may be some records, we're looking into it, but I'm not hopeful as the old "Trophy Book" which recipients had to sign when taking possession of trophies was apparently lost a few years ago (for some time the committee have tended to be quite elderly and some suffer with their memory, which has resulted in a few things being mislaid).

I'm concerned that if we contact the seller pointing out that the cup might well not be his to sell, the listing may be cancelled, he'll remain anonymous and we'll never get it back. On the other hand, the listing may close for a significant price and I don't think the club should have to pay a lot to recover its own property. Also, it may be that for some reason the seller has a valid claim to title on the trophy anyway.

I have suggested that the club should buy the item and obtain the identity of the seller, and then if we can determine that it really is still club property, we launch a civil claim against the seller to recover the cost. This is all I can think of, but it's risky for the club.

Any better suggestions?

Cheers,
Adam

[Jeemy]

I believe that if you place a bid, you can contact eBay and request the seller's details. Either that or you have to win to do it. If its the latter, instructions are below. I would just place a winning bid, and then refuse to pay once you have the contact details as its stolen property. Perhaps make a new eBay account in case they are funny about it, but they usually are heavily in the buyer's favour.

If you can get the contact details, pay a solicitor £30 to write a letter instructing him it is your property, and should it not be returned, the police will be informed, and send it recorded delivery.

******************

1) First Click on the "help" bar at the top of any ebay page.

2) Type into the "search help" field "Contact Information" , then hit enter

3) Locate the section that states - "request contact information", click on it.

4) The first line reads - Be certain about your sellers' identity by requesting their contact information directly from eBay, click the underlined "contact information".

5) The fourth block down is entitled " CONTACT INFO", just type in your sellers username and item number in the appropriate boxes and this will provide you with a contact telephone number, just ring it and check out they are who they say they are, just let them know why you checked etc etc and do it at a considerate time of day, If you are still not sure its genuine, ask if you can bring cash and collect (if approiate) the item and from which address (even if you have no intention of doing so), this is always a good way to see if the seller is genuine. if they make some silly excuses then think twice. most sellers/buyers usually supply contact information anyway but if your having any difficulities follow this guide and protect yourself.

[GeoffSmith]

PM sent Adam.

[dapinky]

looking into it!

[dapinky]

PM sent

[lotos]

Just bid and buy it. That way you get his contact information. Worst case scenario is you get an unpaid buyer strike on your ebay record, they last 1 year and you can get 3. No big deal for a one-time thing. Anything else, as you said, would tip him off.

[Fubar1764]

PM sent.

[ashm]

Hello all, thanks for your help, very much appreciated!
We had some correspondence with the seller, leading to the response below - very happy outcome for the club
Turns out my cynicism was unnecessary (feel a bit guilty now!). Now I'll have to figure out what we should present it for...

Ad

Good afternoon,
Thank you for your email - I have immediately withdrawn the Goblet from the auction.
It was purchased some time ago at an Antique Fair, and was suggested by the seller
that I should bundle it with other silver for scrap !
As a collector of shooting memorabilia, I rescued it, and it remained displayed.
I should have checked with yourselves earlier but assumed it was originally surplus
to your requirements.
I will be in touch later to discuss details - please inform your Committee that the
Trophy will return home.
Regards
...

[HJ2]

That certaintly gives back a little confidence in people
Nice one!

[vzh7gk]

Result!

[tigerdog]

Outstanding! It's good to know ethics and courtesy still have a place in this modern age. Congratulations!

[DeanG]

Outstanding result.

It happens all to often that a trophy is lost. I occasionally see seemingly perpetual trophies for auction. There is a beautiful fencing cup on eBay at the moment. I hope that the person who saved and is returning the trophy is rewarded in some way.