Help me to find old documents recently seen on ebay

[Monkeyhanger]

I have just found out that three documents relating to my great great grandfather were recently on ebay.
His name is JAMES WATT builder of WEST HARTLEPOOL, the details that I believe were on ebay are below.
I would very much like to own them or at least view their content:

12th May 1856 vellum indenture West Hartlepool between: James Watt of West Hartlepool (builder) and Joseph Farrow of Cowpen near Billingham (farmer).  Also mentions Ralph Ward Jackson, Robinson Watson, Charles Barrett, Thomas Kaggs and Isaac Robinson.  Has two signatures and seals with received and witness signatures on the reverse.  Also has a plan on the reverse.  Has been folded, otherwise good condition

Offered is this 2 page vellum document dated 10 May 1856. It measures 24 inches long by 31 inches wide. It deals with the grant of a piece of ground situated in Stranton near West Hartleypool in the County of Durham which forms part of The Mill House Farm comprising of 153 acres. It is between Ralph Ward Jackson, Robinson Watson, Charles Barett and James Watt. It retains the revenue stamps and wax seals with signatures

Offered is this one page vellum document dated 23 June 1864. It measures 22.75 inches long by 29.5 inches wide. It is between James Watt, William Kitching and Joseph Farrow. It deals with the conveyance of a freehold dwellinghouse and premises in Church Street, West Hartlepool in the County of Durham. It retains the revenue stamps and three wax seals of those listed. A well written and clean document.

[ricky1]

Hi Monkeyhanger

welcome to roots

Have you tried contacting e-bay, I had a look on there but if they have been sold, they will be hard to find

regards
ricky

[Ruskie]

Welcome to rootschat from me too.

A few things:

Are you certain that the items sold?

You seem to have the spiel, where did you get that from?

I would try to contact the seller, explain your position, and they may put you in contact with the buyer. You may then be able to contact the buyer to view the items or they may even sell them to you (you never know  ) - if I was in that position I would sell to a proven ancestor.

You can search ebay to find recently sold items - if you can remember the title/heading the seller gave the auction.

I can certainly understand your eagerness to find the items. I wish you the best of luck. Please let us know how you get on.

[Ecneps]

Are you sure it was ebay?  I have looked on their completed items, and although there are several manuscripts, not one fitting your description - unusual as items can usually be found for a short time after sale.

Barbara 

[Ecneps]

I've just found the link to the page where you will have seen this advertised and got your details
http://www.durtnall.org.uk/DEEDS/Durham%20101-200.htm
and 'ebay' appears next to the items

However the owner of this website states that he does not own or sell the documents themselves and that in most cases they will have long since been sold.

If that is so, the documents will no longer appear in the ebay listings 

Barbara

[Monkeyhanger]

Many thanks for the help but it looks like I may never find these documents. So frustrating.
Thanks again, I'm so pleased I found this website.

[Ecneps]

I hope we can be more help on your next query

Best wishes
Barbara
 

[Ruskie]

Well found Barbara!

How frustrating for you Monkeyhanger! It would almost be better not knowing that these documents are out there somewhere.

The site is interesting but a bit of a tease really. I have NO idea how old all that data is, and I know that the owner of the site has taken the item descriptions from various sources, but if I was in your position, I think I would still try to contact him. I wonder if he may remember how long ago the auction was on ebay, and if he has any futher info such as who was the seller of the items. I'd also be very interested to know how much they sold for.

I still think that if I'd bought a load of old stuff off ebay (which I sometimes do  ), I would be willing to sell it on to a "rightful owner". I just wouldn't feel right keeping it if I knew that a descendant would love and treasure it.

Good luck .... 

[mc8]

Many thanks for the help but it looks like I may never find these documents. So frustrating.
Thanks again, I'm so pleased I found this website.

why don't you post an add on wanted's quoting the descriptions here? If somebody bought it from ebay, they probably still visit
http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/specialtysites/questions/win_overview.html