They threw out my art

[curious2727]

I live in California and I am having an issue with a local business.
I own my own business and I build metal sculptures and about 12 years ago I let a local company display one at their shop.
I recently requested it from them and they told me it was in storage.
They never got back to me. I called again and they then told me it was lost or possibly even thrown away.
They told me that I was responsible for it being lost/thrown away becasue I was not 'proactive' in getting it back earlier.
What are my options? Can I put a lien on the home or business? Small claims court? A threatening letter from a lawyer?!?!
This was art, from my hands... I am more upset that it has 'vanished'.
What can I do?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[JETX]

What EXACTLY does your WRITTEN agreement say as to ownership, custody and disposal/return??

 

[curious2727]

There was nothing written. I guess it would be an 'oral contract'. Am I up a river without a paddle or will it be an uphill battle?

 

[Antigone*]

There was nothing written. I guess it would be an 'oral contract'. Am I up a river without a paddle or will it be an uphill battle?

Yep...you have no paddle.

 

[JETX]

Am I up a river without a paddle or will it be an uphill battle?

Both. It would be VERY hard for you to prove that you retained right of ownership for something that you essentially abandoned 12 years ago.

 

[Zigner]

Yep...you have no paddle.

Heck, I'd argue that the RIVER dried up many years ago!