Can I sell it

[custodian]

About 20 years ago an acquaintance asked me to take care of an item for him. Believe it or not I only ever knew him by his first name and I can't even be sure how it would be spelled; nor did I know his address. I haven't seen him for more than 16-17 years although he knows where to find me as I am still in the same place. Obviously I have no way of contacting or finding him, so can I sell the item? I can't serve notice on him to recover it, nor can I give him notice that I intend to sell. Help!!

[tonywiltshire]

Thank you for comments hc I can only suggest you read my posting again.

[custodian]

Hello Tony, and thank you for intervening.
Silly question, but how do I show I have attempted to locate/contact the owner? As one of the previous posters suggested he could be dead by now, and I have no clue as to where to start!
Is the 6 years a Statutory limit?

[tonywiltshire]

Thank you for your comments, I suggest you list the action you take, asked friends if they know of the person, checked at the pub etc, list all the people you mention it to, this will be satisfactory to prove that you tried to contact the provider of the item, if challenged which may be unlikely.
The 6 years is the statutory period to reclaim loans/debts if you are contacted by the provider within this time frame.

[joko]

stop worrying about the law - there is absolutely no proof he ever game you anything.
if you simply denied having them what could he do?

he cannot reasonably have expected you to hold on to these for all these years without a word...

[custodian]

Thank you to Tony, rowanwitch, hc4361 and joko for your thoughts and advice. I have made my decision now so I think this thread can now be closed. Thanks again.