I hope somehow you solve this.
Yes, always fund paypal or any purchase with your best credit card, to get their fraud protection as a last resort.
Prior to large purchases, I call the credit card company to confirm coverage, they say yes, and they keep records of the calls.
The seller shipped it (not Reverb). It should have had insurance. I prefer to buy the insurance myself so any claim is made by me, not the seller.
One way is to get the seller to drop it off unpackaged, at a UPS Pack and Ship location near them, that you have pre-arranged with. Just tell UPS the weight(s) and size(s). So, you don’t pay seller anything for shipping, you save tax and eBay fees on the cost of shipping .... and UPS is responsible for protection/damages.
It needs to be double boxed for a damage claim.
Avoid the word ’antique’.
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Not to defend them in this case, but Reverb was prompt and firm helping me get full refunds twice when problems occurred. Easier and faster than PayPal.

