Stolen Shamshir

[ALEX]

USPS calls this "missing packages", without going into much details. It is safe to say that this shamshir was stolen while in USPS posession. It was shipped out in October 2011. It may appear somewhere on market one day. If anyone comes across it - please contact me. I offer serious reward to anyone who will help to locate it.

[Atlantia]

Alex,
I am so sorry to hear that this beautiful sword has been stolen from you. Would it be appropriate for us to copy this information and pictres to other forums/boards to spread the word?
Best
Gene

[ALEX]

Gene, this is certainly a good idea, and much appreciated. Many thanks for your thoughtfulness and willingness to help.

[A.alnakkas]

What a shame :/ will keep my eyes open. Hope you find it again..

[Atlantia]

Gene, this is certainly a good idea, and much appreciated. Many thanks for your thoughtfulness and willingness to help.

Alex,

No problem buddy, I'd be inconsolable if it was my sword.
One more thought, it might be an idea to include an email address so that lurkers and non registered users can contact you. Alternatively, I've used mine on copying this to other forums so anyone can contact me at: gimmieitbaby@aol.com and I'll forward their details directly to you.
Spread the word folks!

[KuKulzA28]

My condolences. If I see it on eBay I'll post here. :(

[Dmitry]

What are the details? How did it go missing? Was it going overseas? Do you have the tracking info?

[ALEX]

What are the details? How did it go missing? Was it going overseas? Do you have the tracking info?

Regretfully, in cases like this there will be no details until the item is found (this is the reason I posted it here). the tracking info will only reveal it left point A and did not reach point B.

[Dmitry]

I've been mailing and receiving swords for years, not a single one went missing or was damaged by the USPS. Last year I had a sword go missing for 3 months, en route from the US to Australia. One telephone call to the USPS solved the problem. They initiated a claim and located the sword, which was stuck in Australian Customs.

[ALEX]

Dmitri, we've done the same and more, including the claim. No further information was found by USPS. My best advice is: insure high value items and avoid sending during holiday season.

[ALEX]

I wanted to let everyone know that this stolen shamshir was just closed on eBay (Item# 331848027672). If you'll be offered to buy it, please do NOT.

[rickystl]

Alex: I really hope you get it back.

[Dmitry]

What a stroke of good fortune! I hope you've alerted the police. Good luck with recovering your sword!

[ALEX]

Thank you all,
If you'll recognize top bidders on eBay - please let them know the sword was/remains stolen.
The price was inflated on purpose, the top bidder alerted via negative feedback. The seller is a crook, fabricated provenance and went with auction after contact.

[ariel]

Police may not be able to help. FBI has an authority to function across the state lines.

[kronckew]

postal inspectors do, i think...did you report it to the postal inspectors who investigate mail crimes or just the local post office heirarchy that may have been involved? the PO has gone down hill since my dad was a federal postal inspector back in the 1960's tho....

[ALEX]

Thanks to all who were concerned and responded.
Here's an update, and hope it is not final.

If someone finds oneself in similar situation, contact your local police right away and file a report. File a complaint with USPS Postal Inspectors Service here:
https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/contactUs/filecomplaint.aspx
Also, file a complaint with FBI here: http://www.ic3.gov/

Also, make sure to contact eBay. They do take these matters very seriously. They stepped in fast and removed the user. Kudos to eBay!