BrokenArts on 13/2/2019 at 21:31
Got a question for you all, and I know I'll get straight answers. Some of the old timers around here know what business I'm in. Hence my name. I do restoration work on objects, for almost 30 years now, where did the time go!!!!
Anyway, back about 5 years ago, I'd have to look exactly when. I had the pleasure to work with a guy name Thor Aackerlund He's the very first, 1st place winner of the Nintendo World Championships! This was back in 1990. I've got pictures of the piece.
What happened, the piece fell and broke, busted leg, some chipping. Just a simple Mario made out of plaster, rather crude looking, on a plexi glass base with a name plate on it, etc. Since Thor was 1st place, Mario was painted with gold paint. He then wanted a copy made, at that time, a museum was going to take the piece, and display the copy. But, for whatever reason, Thor never came back to pick up his copy. Called him, he never came back in. I still have that copy, as far as I know, I have the only known copy of it. Rather cool for a gamer to have. I've kept it, not know what to do with it, and thinking maybe Thor might want it someday. A customer has 90 days to pick up their piece from the time of completion. Then it becomes mine if no attempt has been made to pick up said piece. Of course I'm always happy to work with people on that.
Low and behold I get a call from a guy this morning, who saw my pictures of the piece on my FB page, which I have since taken down. I don't want anymore Tom, Dick and Harry's to call me about it. How he found my FB page, I don't know, its not that busy, I haven't posted in a while. He is supposedly the silver winner, and I may have written his name down wrong, google still gives you alternatives, did you mean this! I couldn't find his name, I'm still waiting to get a email from him. He wanted me to sell the copy, or possibly make another one.
At first I thought it was rather cool, wow talking to another winner. His broke, he threw it away. I asked how many pieces was it in, roughly, he couldn't say. Every person I've ever asked that, has given me a number they say their piece was in, oh its in a dozen pieces. I always ask that anyway. Then he wants to remain discreet about it. Uhuh. He said he really loves gaming, this piece was so special to him, if it was that special, why did you throw it away. Lot of people hang on to their broken pieces.
If the guy turns out to be legit, I can't sell him the only known copy, even to copy this thing, I'm not sure I could. I do know of someone that can 3D print this thing, I sure as hell don't want Nintendo to come after me, doubt they would. But, this whole thing is creeping into territory, I'm not sure.....my spidey senses are tingling, and danger Will Robinson, other wise.......I'm sitting on it. I sure as hell would hate to have other copies and possibly being sold to make money, am I over thinking this, possibly. I'd also hate to have Thor come back and have an issue there.
Thoughts?
Starker on 13/2/2019 at 22:07
Buying a copy of the first place prize when you came in second is kind of bad sportsmanship anyway.
Tomi on 13/2/2019 at 22:27
It's a tricky situation for sure... By your description the other guy doesn't sound very trustworthy, but of course it's impossible for me to say. Then again, is it really such a collectible piece that someone would want to have so desperately that they'd lie about it? I have no idea about the monetary value of such a piece.
I think I'd try to contact this Thor person one more time. I know you've already tried to do so, but if you think that it might bother you afterwards, then you could say that you've at least tried. I found a guy by that name on Facebook (he even has a fan page!), so perhaps you could drop him a message and ask? If he still ignores you or doesn't pick up his Mario, then you should just forget him and do whatever you like with the piece... if the 90 days thing really is legally binding. But I don't think that anyone would expect you to hold on to some piece for YEARS!
Pyrian on 13/2/2019 at 22:52
...Just make sure if you decide to sell Mr. Silver anything, you get paid up front, lol.
BrokenArts on 13/2/2019 at 23:20
A few replies. The Mario's were all the same size, according to him. Seems logical, I haven't looked into that. The only difference was their color.
Thor knows where to reach me. I may reach out again, we'll see. I do have terms on my website, many other sites do as well, when buying or purchasing, or even lay away. There are always terms to deal with. When ever anyone wants me to work on their piece, half down, other half paid in full along with shipping due BEFORE the piece/s are shipped back to the customer.
My only concern of all this was the legality of it all. But, now its more the principal of the thing. I doubt there is much in the way of monetary value to the piece, more sentimental. But, I am no appraiser. I could be dead wrong. He did mention some guy offered a ton of money for his piece.
icemann on 14/2/2019 at 02:35
You should ask for a job at the BBC. They need some more people, restoring old Doctor Who episodes. Restoration team.
BrokenArts on 14/2/2019 at 02:59
Quote Posted by icemann
You should ask for a job at the BBC. They need some more people, restoring old Doctor Who episodes. Restoration team.
Hah, that would be stellar!
icemann on 14/2/2019 at 03:54
(
http://www.restoration-team.co.uk/)
The website for that. It's quite fascinating the stuff they do to restore film that's in really bad condition.
Starker on 14/2/2019 at 05:23
In that case, I wouldn't see a problem making him a copy of the copy, if it's just to replace the silver prize.
BrokenArts on 14/2/2019 at 16:12
Quote Posted by Starker
In that case, I wouldn't see a problem making him a copy of the copy, if it's just to replace the silver prize.
Thanks, I have given it some more thought. I won't sell him my copy, its the only copy. I still need to talk to him, what I will offer is another copy, I will make a 3D print of one. I have an intern working with me, her BF runs a small 3D print biz. Will go that route. Thanks!
