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July 31, 1947

Dear Sirs:

RE: LLOYDS POLICY #71958/9/11144

We confirm our cable of today reading:

MARBLE STATUES SHIPPED KOLOA VICTORY DAMAGED STOP EXAMINED BY MENDES AND MOUNT STOP LETTER FOLLOWS

After the release of these marble statues by the U.S. Customs Authorities on July 28, 1947 and upon subsequent examination by the writer, we found that the head of the marble statue representing a kneeling lady was broken off approximately in the middle of the neck. In addition, the right foot of the statue representing a kneeling knight was also completely detached. It would appear, however, that these damages were a recurrence of old breaks as ascertained by the iron rods used to mend the original damages. There were also various smaller pieces of marble chipped off, most of which, by carefully sifting the packing material, were recovered.

Mr. Winiker of Mendes and Mount, whom we immediately informed of this occurrence, examined the items today.

The reason for the above damages not being discovered at the time the Customs examination took place at Brown's Warehouse is attributed to the fact that the heads as well as the feet were covered by wooden braces, which were only removed when the writer's checkup was made.

The cause for these damages cannot be ascertained, the cases themselves not showing any traces whatsoever of having undergone rough handling.

Unfortunately, the president of our firm, Mr. Germain Seligman, is at present traveling away from New York and is not expected back until after the middle of September, and as he is the only party in a position to accurately and fairly adjudge the damage to these statues, this letter is to be construed as an indication of facts to be followed up upon his return by the claim proper.

For your information, please be advised that the SS "Koloa Victory" which is owned by the U.S. Line left Le Havre June 27, 1947, arrived in the Port of New York on July 11, 1947, and the shipment was delivered to Brown's Warehouse on July 18, 1947.

Thanking you for your cooperation in this matter,
Yours very truly,
JACQUES SELIGMANN & CO., INC.

(O. A. Liechti)

G. McKay Morant & Company
54 Broxbourne Road
Orpington, Kent
England

[[right margin]] AIR MAIL [[/right margin]]

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