Fiber Follies

WARNING: THE DESCRIBED ITEM WAS STOLEN FROM ITS OFF-SITE DISPLAY. IT DISAPPEARED ON 27  SEPTEMBER 2008.

*******IF SEEN REPORT TO HARE’S, LTD. ********

Be prepared to provide its location and a description of anyone involved.

EBONY SNUFF/IVORY CHECKERED TOP EDGED WITH TORTOISESHELL $250.00

3.5″ length. Ebony Snuffbox. Ivory Checkered top with tortoiseshell stringing. Some warping of top evident, although a remarkably handsome snuff. Good rich color to the ivory, nice patina to the tortoiseshell checks and stringing. Barrel- and-pin hinge. The ebony body shows both good glow and raising of grain, as if a former owner had tried a good clean, to the detriment of the patina. Image is a top view of the box, and will appear a bit larger than actual size.

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Nice. As if I didn’t have enough to worry about, now people are stealing from me. I’ll bet the thief has no clue that this item belongs to my company, not the company from which it was stolen. I’ll also bet that the thief doesn’t care. Like so many local people, the thief assumes that people who own businesses are obscenely wealthy without having to work at it. Like so many local people, the thief has no clue just what this object is, or its history, or its value.

I’m wringing every drop of energy from my sorry old carcass just trying to stay afloat. I have expenses and work almost round the clock in effort to make ends meet. I have managed to force the company to support itself without taking on loans nor borrowing from personal funds. I do not keep a brick-and-mortar store, so can avoid the extremely high taxes, and other overhead costs associated with them. I don’t keep a brick-and-mortar because the chance of theft is too high-and nothing in the world will prevent it or make law enforcement pursue clues to a “little” theft like this.

The Husband opened up a brick-and-mortar shop. He was let to keep several of my company’s objects on display there, to lend a little credibility to his inventory. And that’s where the snuff box was the last time we saw it. The thief left the price tag.

The Husband plans to pay for the object, which is excellent. But why should he pay for the stolen object? We don’t dare report a theft. Firstly, local law enforcement can’t be bothered to look for a thief, so even calling them is a fat waste of time. Secondly, when a loss is reported, the insurance company pays the claim then immediately shucks the client off.

So. I’m guessing that the thief has assumed that money is effortlessly obtained by business owners and that a “little” thing like a one-of-a-kind, early 19th c. antique snuff box is no big deal.

Screw you, thief. Screw you.