I am thrilled that I won an ebay (broadway cares) auction for the original marquee that hung above the theatre back in the 70s! I have the perfect place for it at home in Nashville. Due to the size of it, shipping is creating a real challenge! It needs to be picked up from the broadway cares office. As much as this kills me, I'm considering selling it for the same price I paid. If you are a NYC local and are interested in the possibility of purchasing it from me, let me know. I'm still wavering on selling it. I really want it hanging in my house!
Have you looked into having it shipped via Amtrak? I know that sounds weird, but they don't generally care about the size of items, and only care about the weight. So if it's not heavy, it may be pretty cheap. (As it is, they ship up to 250 pounds for $200-- which is about $1000 cheaper than FedEx or UPS for the same number of boxes)
Have you talked to broadway cares? A bunch of years back I purchased a rather large set piece from a show (I'm talking a 9 foot tall thing) wasn't on ebay but was at the flea market. They were more than happy to work with me - cause at the time I was in college and a few states away and there was noway I could carry that home with me on the train - with shipping. I think for an extra fee they packaged it for me and shipped it through I think it was fed ex and the shipping charge was billed to me.
Thank you for all these ideas! I'm going to have to really look into them tomorrow. If anyone is interested in purchasing it, shoot me a message. It's 9 feet long and 5 feet tall. I think this excitement has turned into a bit of stress! It really is neat piece of of Broadway history. I can send you pictures if interested.
I'm really surprised Amtrak doesn't stop in Nashville. I live in tired Jacksonville and it stops here. Certainly it comes close to you via some city. Ship it there. Then get you a country boy in a pickup to drive you there. You live in Nashville, home of pickups and countryboys!!!! It should fit in the back of a truck.