I am the owner of a Chouinard Frost ice axe manufactured about 40 years ago. Upon learning that these have become collectors items, I contacted Michael Chessler, owner of Chessler Books, PO Box 4359, Evergreen Colorado, a shop specializing in mountain climbing collectable items and books.
After discussing the age and condition of the axe during our initial communication on July 1, Mr. Chessler offered to purchase the ice axe for $250.00, payable upon receipt of the item and I agreed to those terms.
I packaged and shipped the item as agreed. When I had not received payment by approximately July 23, I called Mr. Chessler and asked if he had received my shipment, and when I could expect payment. He said he had received the Ice axe, commented that it was in exceptional condition, and said he would send payment promptly.
On approximately August 4 I contacted Mr. Chessler again and demanded that he return the ice axe since he hadnt paid for it. He said he couldnt return the item because he had already sold it. When I pointed out that our verbal contract was for a fixed price purchase, not for a commission sale he hung up the phone.
By selling a object that he didn't own he committed an act of theft, and by representing to the buyer that he was the owner he committed fraud. My attempts to bring him to justice have been ignored by the local law authorities in his county and cannot be brought by authorities in my state.
I spoke with Mr Chessler again by phone in early September and again demanded payment. He agreed to send payment immediately. When no payment was forthcoming after three more weeks, I called again. He claimed to have sent a check the day after our conversation, but no such payment has arrived. I requested that he examine his bank statement to determine that the check had not been cashed (politely assuming that he wasn't lying), and send a replacement. He has failed to do so as of October 5, and rudely hung up on our final conversation on that date.
If justice were to be served, Mr. Chessler should lose his license to do business and spend 30 days breaking rocks at the county jail. If you intend to do business with this individual expect the same treatment I have received.
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