Lorinda,
Check with your local authorities, but it should be possible to simply
file a mechanic's lien on the objects left at the center.  A copy should
be mailed (registered) to the client(s), and a notice published in the
local newspaper of record.

Then, after the waiting time required by local law/ordinance, the
object(s) may be sold at auction.  Any proceeds above and beyond the
treatment expense and applicable storage belong to the client.

Jack C. Thompson
Thompson Conservation Lab
Portland, OR

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On Sat, 25 Nov 1995, Lorinda L Gayle wrote:

> I read the abandoned property information from Indiana with some interest.
> We have another type of abandoned object problem which I would like to
> throw out to the list for comment.
>
> Our regional conservation center has several objects in our care which
> received conservation treatment.  We have had no response from the owner
> for nearly three years.
>
> The answering machine takes messages at the number of record.  Mail,
> including registered mail, seems to be delivered correctly.  Still, the
> owner has never contacted us.
>
> There is an outstanding balance due for our services, but at this point
> it seems unlikely that it will ever be paid.  We have no written policy
> regarding abandoned items, so it seems we cannot take possession of
> these objects, either.
>
> Does any institution out there have an abandoned objects policy?  I am
> also looking for suggestions on formulating one - how long must the piece
> be left before it is considered abandoned, what constitutes sufficient
> notice to the original owner, etc.?
>
> Thank you for your help!
>
>         Lorinda Gayle    [log in to unmask]
>