When I next called, a new eBay representative assumed I had simply returned the object. Processing a claim on that basis is apparently fairly easy. When I explained that the object arrived broken and I had, at the seller's insistence, turned the item into the Post Office, I was told the case would be reviewed after I submitted the Post Office claim form. The call ended, the form was faxed and soon after I was notified the claim was denied. This would not be easy.

I then contacted eBay's Resolution Center a day or two later to press the claim. Later that day, at about 1:45 pm I received an email saying the case had been denied again. Fifteen minutes later I received a full refund.

So what did I learn?

Occasionally there will be problems on eBay.

If I return an item unopened the claim will be easier.

If I file a claim and am turned down don't get upset. Simply marshal your arguments and call again.

Okay, Finally I mentioned that I write about this type of thing. And I also mentioned that I've bought about 1,500 times on eBay over the past 7 years. Somewhere in the thicket of doing the right thing, investing about two and a half hours on a visit to the Post Office, waiting on hold and pressing the case, eBay issued the refund: $282.50 including shipping.

The eBay buyer's protection guarantee worked.

Here is a link to the item:

Currier & Ives