A postman has been caught on CCTV dropping a parcel over a man's wall - even though the package was clearly marked as fragile.
The £100 antiques inside, bought from eBay, have been left damaged and devalued.
Michael Hamill said he was 'disgusted' by the actions of the delivery man and believes it chipped the 'irreplaceable' ashtray inside, reports LeedsLive.
Michael and his wife Sara Shepherd saw the delivery man on camera pushing the parcel over their high gate to fall onto the hard ground of the front yard.
Michael said: "He could have left a card in the letterbox. It said fragile huge on the package.
The parcel, which was marked 'fragile' (Image: Michael Hamill)
"I was livid that they just pushed it over a gate. He only waited a couple of seconds after knocking to do it. I was so excited about getting them and it was heartbreaking to open the package and them be ruined.
"We're disappointed at Royal Mail's response when we sent them all the evidence and they said 'we don't know how this has happened'."
The parcel contained two antique ashtrays Michael had bought on eBay, which he said are worth around £100 worth in good condition.
He is a collector of antique ashtrays from the 1940s and 50s.
Michael sent a complaint to Royal Mail and said he included the footage and photos in the complaint.
The chipped antique ashtray (Image: Michael Hamill)
A spokesman for Royal Mail replied: "My investigations into your enquiry have included checking all available service information and I cannot identify any reason why this problem occurred.
"Due to the millions of pieces of mail that pass through our massive postal pipeline each day, I am sorry that I cannot say where, when or how the item was damaged.
"Mechanical handling and the weight of other mail can sometimes cause damage, but we do everything possible to prevent mail arriving in poor condition."
As compensation, Michael was sent six first class stamps.
Michael has a letterbox next to his gate that attempted parcel delivery notifications can be pushed through.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Royal Mail expects the highest standards of behaviour from our people while out on deliveries and collections at all times.
"We regularly remind our postmen and postwomen of the important role they play in their local communities.
"We would like to apologise to the customer concerned and will be getting in touch with them directly to discuss the matter further.”
