Finder · Workman

Constanti Thoma Pishiali

fl. 1894–1898 · Cyprus

Quarryman / stone-cutter, active 1894–1898. Sold to Nikolaki; parent of Stavrini Constantinou and Theonitsa Constantinou.

Life and work

1897
Sold 17 pieces of plate privately at Nicosia to a jeweller or goldsmith 'at Ayios Dometios' for 25 pounds, the jeweller being one Nikolaki of Nicosia (Chamberlayne's letter, relayed through a Mr Giovanni, who reported what the finder had told Glossop). Chamberlayne adds that some pieces were 'it is alleged' melted down and others resold at greatly enhanced prices, and that the finder later sued the purchaser for cheating him and failed. The daughters' account instead has him exchanging spoons, forks and knives piecemeal for food at grocers in Karavas and Yerolakkos, who sold them to a well-known Nicosia jeweller who sold them by weight.
NicosiaMerrillees 2009, pp. 394-395
1898
Some years before 1898 (after the Vasilia bronze horn find) he offered the Kyrenia District Commissioner an ancient urn found near Acheiropoietos for 15 shillings (later 10s), and then asked whether Government would buy it; Chamberlayne was inclined to recommend purchase for the Castle. The letter is dated 28 December 1898.
Kyrenia districtMerrillees 2009, pp. 394-395
by December 1898
Civil suitChamberlayne wrote ('I believe') that the finder 'subsequently brought an action against the purchaser for having cheated him but failed to establish his plea'. The letter does not give the court, date or name of the defendant beyond implying the jeweller.
Merrillees 2009, p. 394

5 people

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