fiats3 Posted 16 November , 2007 Share Posted 16 November , 2007 Hello, I am trying to repatriate a WW1 Death Memorial Plaque to one of the descendants of 2nd Lt Cecil Frank Carson, 44th Battalion, AIF. The descendant lives in Western Austrailia, while I am located in Viginia, USA. My preliminary research into shipping costs indicate to send such an item (about 25x25x3) to Western Australia (say near Perth) is prohibitively expensive (around $350 U.S.). Does anyone have any helpful ideas on how to transport this item using a more economical medium to Australia? Also, there is apparently a litany very strict Importation Customs enforcement regulations regarding the importation of wood related items (the memorial frame is constructed of oak, I believe). I would hate to have Customs destroy this much revered treasure. Any, and all, suggestions are heartily welcomed. George. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshdoc Posted 16 November , 2007 Share Posted 16 November , 2007 http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/ab_012.htm Im sure you can do better than $350, not sure about the wood products , suggest you look at the Australian customs site. Also consider ditching the frame unless of course its a particularly good family one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonmate Posted 16 November , 2007 Share Posted 16 November , 2007 George There are (at least) North West and American Airlines flights from Washington Dulles to Perth WA. Is it possible that you could find a way of liaising with a returning passenger for free carriage ? I am sure that others would see it as a service well worthy of your gesture in returning the plaque to it's home town. I go along with the previous suggestion that you only send the plaque as the authorities get very touchy about ignoring embargoes on wood products. It would be also very necessary to make sure that any carrier of your item is confident that it is what it is !! You could also always ask Fedelmar if she knows of anyone making the trip ! Good luck Sotonmate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedelmar Posted 16 November , 2007 Share Posted 16 November , 2007 I know someone who is in Las Vegas at the moment ... but may have already left. I suspect that most of his trips are to Las Vegas but I can check with him if you like. He does regular trips to the US and being a grandson of a soldier he will look after it. I agree though ... being a wood product you would need to check out what has to be done. However, given that it is 'antique' it may come under a different classification. Failing all else ... talk to the military ... they may be able to assist in some way to ship it back home Bright Blessings Sandra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonmate Posted 16 November , 2007 Share Posted 16 November , 2007 Sandra Trust me,wood is wood as far as embargoes go ! Good to see you are on the ball there in WA ! Sotonmate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedelmar Posted 16 November , 2007 Share Posted 16 November , 2007 Yes ... out of bed and awake. What I was meaning re classification is that there may be different regulations regarding the shipping of antiques as opposed to 'young' wood (for want of a better term) Bright Blessings Sandra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonmate Posted 16 November , 2007 Share Posted 16 November , 2007 Sandra ....and there was I thinking of GOING to bed,can't get used to the 12 hour difference ! And I meant that, to those nasty bugs no one wants proliferating in their back yards, a piece of wood is a piece of wood, and therefore LUNCH and then a resting place for their offspring !! Not that I am suggesting that Virginny is such a breeding ground,just that somewhere along the way it COULD happen ! .......and so to bed. Take it easy Sotonmate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terence Munson Posted 17 November , 2007 Share Posted 17 November , 2007 Hello George, Welcome to the Forum. A few years ago we did a trip via New Orleans, (for the Mardi Gras - bought an elaborate face mask with feathers and also some Cajun Spices), then on to New Zealand to visit my brother, (Bought some wood carvings). From there to Sydney. On the flight with these items packed in our luggage, forms for Immigration and Customs were brought round, these stated that wood in any form was restricted as was feathers and food items! I filled the forms describing the items in my case and was resigned to them being confiscated. As we reached the gateway I made to open my luggage and the Customs Officer said no need to do that sir you have given a good description and we do not have a problem - enjoy your stay in Australia! I know of another case where wood carvings were brought back from holiday by an Aussie National and while on display in his office in Newcastle N.S.W. maggots started to emerge. In somewhat of a panic he contacted immigration who simply advised a 30 second blast in a microwave oven! So don’t be put off, have the oak frame checked and verified. If the repatriation is not a commercial enterprise I’d contact the Australian Embassy, Quantas Airlines, U.S. Army etc. asking for help, these type of organisations will often find a way for some good news publicity! Best of luck. Cheers, Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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