USPS: Destroyer of artifacts

[Dane Jensen]

Hello all!

I come with some somber nes regarding a piece had recently acquired and since returned.

A few weeks ago I came across an item that I had been searching for, for quite some time.
That piece being a large place medal bar. I’ve always loved large bars, lots of history and story to them.

The one in particular I found was an Austrian 11 place medal bar pictured here:



I purchased this piece for a total of $630 on Griffen militaria whom I’ve had gray interaction with and have bought from plenty of times! I was incredibly excited to get the piece!

Unfortunately,

On the 30th of last month I receive the package, I open it up and to my horror I find this:





Two of the medals have broken from the bar!

At first I assumed it was due to poor packaging but I again looked at the box and saw damage to the exterior.

I contacted Griffen and let him know. I sent the package back on the 1st and am waiting for the refund coming this weekend.

It saddens me to see a piece like this destroyed, especially one that I have been searching for like this.

If anyone has a lead on a bar like this roughly in the $1000 range, let me know! I’m highly interested.

All in all, I’m quite upset and saddened but happy I’m getting a refund. I hope you are all well and I wish you all the best!

Dane Jensen

 

[Kaiser Wilhelm II]

That's quite the terrible thing.
That is really deeply upsetting to see.
I will keep an eye out for a decent medal bar.
I'm terribly sorry for this incident.

 

[Dane Jensen]

That's quite the terrible thing.
That is really deeply upsetting to see.
I will keep an eye out for a decent medal bar.
I'm terribly sorry for this incident.

Thank you I really appreciate it, I love these types of bars, Really sad to see such a piece broken indeed.

 

[Jeff R]

Oof - sorry to hear (and see) that Dane. Sadly, it happens now and again, as these old pieces of history go whisking all over the planet. But it's always gut-wrenching when an irreplaceable piece of the past is lost or broken.

 

[Peter B]

This one is Austrian and only five medals but FYI Dane:

The Collector's Guild

 

[John Josef]

Hi Dane,

Really sorry to hear that, it's a terrible feeling as a collector to have the excitement of opening a new item destroyed by seeing damage.

On the Brightside Danny is a great guy and will take care of it no problems.

Are you looking for any specific medals on the bar or just a lot.
What is the number of medals you're looking for?

Sometimes you can find bars that were worn after the war with a whole lot of different service medals that are pretty affordable.

If I know exactly what you're looking for I will keep an eye out. Cheers John Josef

 

[Dane Jensen]

Hi Dane,

Really sorry to hear that, it's a terrible feeling as a collector to have the excitement of opening a new item destroyed by seeing damage.

On the Brightside Danny is a great guy and will take care of it no problems.

Are you looking for any specific medals on the bar or just a lot.
What is the number of medals you're looking for?

Sometimes you can find bars that were worn after the war with a whole lot of different service medals that are pretty affordable.

If I know exactly what you're looking for I will keep an eye out. Cheers John Josef

Aye thank you so much, aye it was very heartbreaking to see what happened to this guy.

In terms of what I’m looking for, I’m just looking for a big bar, German or Austrian. Preferably with 10 or more medals, not all to picky with what medals are on it just so long as there are no third reich awards.

If you do see anything, please let me know!

 

[Dane Jensen]

Update:
Griffen still hasn’t issued me a refund and has continually sent me to voicemail and ignored my emails.

 

[John Josef]

Update:
Griffen still hasn’t issued me a refund and has continually sent me to voicemail and ignored my emails.

I wouldn't panic too much although not mentioned there was a little celebration Friday, and many had a nice long weekend.

Danny is a standup guy, and I would bet money that if he told you to send it back for a refund it will be taken care of 100%. oh yeah Happy Independence Day and GOD bless America

 

[Peter B]

Not sure if they have already been sent back but I wonder if the breaks could somehow be fixed? Tricky but maybe not impossible. Hopefully someone can fix the bar at Griffen when they get it back.

 

[John Josef]

Not sure if they have already been sent back but I wonder if the breaks could somehow be fixed? Tricky but maybe not impossible. Hopefully someone can fix the bar at Griffen when they get it back.

If the bar is not actually broken, he may just have two replacement medals to pop on there. You could pick up those two medals without ribbons pretty cheap.

 

[JustinG]

That fault goes actually to the seller and person posting vs the Postal Service IMHO. With proper packing and care, you can prevent this kind of damage. Bubble wrap, a Ziplock® or other plastic waterproof baggie with some packing tape securing the package nicely, ensuring the medals won't swing around in any way. That is what should be expected. I am glad that the seller is going to allow you to return this item. That is most unfortunate. But I am glad that the transaction was handled well. To anyone who is shipping anything. Items are fragile, there is always the possibility of damage, but with proper packing and attention to detail, much of this can be avoided.

Best Regards,
JustinG