OUCH! Painful damage to a purchase while in transit

[scooter729]

Originally Posted by yanks12025

Couldn't you have asked for a partial refund from the auction house or something.

When I first opened the package and saw some damage, I thought about trying to keep it and possibly negotiating a partial refund. But when I saw how extensive the damage was, I just decided it would be best to just send it back, as much as I liked it.

[JimH5]

Very sad.

I have had some large art pieces shipped in corporate moves, and the moving companies often hire specialty contractors to build crates to accommodate large glass.

Or, if the glass is nothing special, they won't ship, and have you buy new custom glass on the other end.

[Runscott]

Oh man, that sux. Very sorry to see this. As much as the auction houses charge for shipping and insurance, I'm sure you're completely covered.

[sox1903wschamp]

Crap....sorry Scott. This has happened to me but on something far less expensive.

[doug.goodman]

That is exactly why I try to get framed items unframed and shipped in a mailing tube by the seller. And, when I ship large flat items, I roll them in a tube.

I had a similar experience once, although my damaged item (a police gazette cover) was not nearly as cool as yours was, and I hope to never have it happen to me again.

When shipping glass in frames, it helps to cover the glass with tape.

Very sad,
Doug

[thecatspajamas]

I've been lucky so far with the few framed items I've received. I try not to ship in frames whenever possible. Not only is there more of a danger of this happening, but it also makes the shipping much more expensive (what with the larger box and additional padding required).

I have noticed that the couple of framed lots I've gotten from Hunt Auctions had something like those plastic cling tops intended for sealing dishes in the refrigerator stuck to the glass (same idea as the tape, but more easily removable).

I can't even imaging trying to safely pack a 6' long frame, but then I suppose the custom framing job would be pretty pricey too. It's just a shame that it was a 100-year-old item that took the hit, as I'm sure you would have rather had the photo than the refund.

[Jay Wolt]

The glass had shattered in transit, and the damage unfortunately went right through to the picture. A big portion of the picture ripped,

Scott, That stinks!
Nothing like having high expectations when you're waiting for your lot to arrive.
Only to have you're hear sink when you open it.
Everyone loses....you, the auction house and the hobby as this great piece's beauty is shot.