Thanks Wish. That's just it - there was no damage to the mailing box. No tears, squashing, dents nothing.  I will certainly give seller plenty of time to respond. They can't send a replacement as the items are vintage. I didn't mention refunding in my msg as I wanted to get their thoughts first. Probably should have I suppose. I really feel they should take my word for it and not have to send them pics or anything.  I have excellent feedback with no history of negs for sellers and/or trying to get items for free or other compensation in all the years I've been on Ebay. Don't know what to make of it but their feedback from a couple of other buyers mentions items "'dropped'." Anyway we shall see.