Customs dispute!

[mahking51]

Hi All,
Currently buried in a dispute with HM C&E over the charges they placed on a Stanley 55 that I bought from the States.

Item was sent marked up as 'used plane parts' and they have interpreted this as it being an engine for a 747 or somesuch!

I have sent them pictures of the plane and close ups of the 1893/1895 patent marks to prove it is an antique.

One month later I hear that this is not good enough and I must supply 'documentary evidence' to prove it is over 100 years old.

Anyone got any idea where I might find such evidence?
regards
Martin

 

[dedee]

Martin,
Could you ask them who they would accept "documentary evidence" from? I could write a letter stating the plane was 100 years old but I doubt they would accept. Perhaps an auction house could give you a written valuation, for insuarance purposes or sale, based on age.
How far away is the customs office? Could a personal visit with the plane help?

Good luck

Andy

 

[mahking51]

Andy
Interesting thoughts.
An auction house is a good idea though it will cost even more money!
I wondered if there are any web resources that could help.
Martin

 

[dedee]

Martin

Have you had a look at Patrick's blood and gore?

http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan8.htm

Not sure if anything here would be documentary evidence though

Andy

 

[Alf]

The thing is, just 'cos the patent dates are over 100 yrs old, it doesn't necessarily mean the plane is. Really you need someone with Walters' Guide, which has a type study in it I believe, but that could just prove the Customs boys case for them. Could be trying to go down the "antique" road was the wrong option; I never can remember what the Customs rules are on what's applicable for duty and what isn't.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Noel]

Let them prove it's part of an aircraft or talk to the C & E complaints people. Number is in the book.

Noel

 

[Martin Brown]

Mike Hancock at Classic hand tools may be able to help.

 

[mahking51]

Martin
Top idea!
Mke Hancock gave me the number of a lady who is sending me a 'Certificate of Antiquity' to aim at C&E.
Will let you all know how it goes.
Regards
Martin

 

[ydb1md]

Martin

Have you had a look at Patrick's blood and gore?

http://www.supertool.com/StanleyBG/stan8.htm

Not sure if anything here would be documentary evidence though

Andy

I wouldn't send them to the blood & gore site, they might get suspicous and contact the Department of Homeland Security. :sign3:

Of course, Customs and Homeland Security should contact the department of Military Intelligence ( :lol: ) before they do anything.

BTW, how did you get a 747 engine to fit into a box fit for a Stanley? :roll: :-k ](*,) :-$ (homer) doh!

 

[wizer]

out of interest, if it's not too nosey, how much did they charge you?