Mystery Man... Revealed!

Last year I showcased one of my favorite series by Josef Originals, The Italian Aristocrats, which features one charming gentleman, known only as "The Escort," who's true name has forever been a mystery.

While the rest of my noble Aristocrats' proper names have long-since been known, and as they stand proudly with those names blazoned across their fronts, one man stands alone, remaining nameless and strange.

I had seen him for sale many many times before, but never ever with his label. I would message the sellers and ask if, perchance, the label had simply fallen off, or if they themselves happen to know the name. Perhaps he had been handed down by a loved one who had knowledge or kept records. Because someone out there, who has this figure in their possession, certainly must harbor this tasty morsel of information.

But alas, no.

I've even seen him in Craig's List ads for antique stores, and I have called to ask whoever was unfortunate enough to answer the phone to pull him from the case and check for the name.

For I simply must know!...but again and again, no name.

How can I, or anyone for that matter, rest peacefully knowing this fine, well-bred man, may spend eternity without anyone ever even knowing his name?!

Well, they say "gifts come in many packages" and mine happened to come in the form of something startling me awake one night. (See? Can't rest peacefully!)

And when do most people receive gifts?

On their birthdays.

So on August 23, 2017, in the final 30 minutes of my birthday.....30 minutes before the start of a new day...I awoke.
And little did I know right then, that tomorrow would truly be a new day for me.
One filled with peace, calm, and knowing.

Because much like anytime I awaken in the night, I checked my phone for new Josef listings.

And there! Just recently listed, was a large lot of Josefs, two being Aristocrats, and both with their name labels.

And there he was!....Badly broken, but named nonetheless.

My heart nearly stopped dead in my chest, I couldn't believe my eyes!

My slumbering Hubby lay oblivious next to me, not knowing that a major, life changing discovery had just been made.

So I shook him excitedly and informed him of this momentous finding.

He replied with a swat and some unintelligible grumblings, but I know he was as pumped as I was. (Regardless of the fact he had no recollection of the big news come morning)

Anyway...

The listing included a note saying the gentleman was being "thrown in for free" due to his damage.

I messaged the seller asking if they'd sell me just him.
Only him.

I wanted him as a trophy of my triumph over the unknown.
Damages be damned, I wanted that label!
To touch, to stroke...to pry off of this one and put on the underside of my own!

But they declined.

So I asked them to at least verify his name to make sure I had read it correctly, as the picture was not the clearest.

Thankfully, they gave me that.


So, finally, I give you....

Roberto

The Once Nameless Aristocrat!

So our unknown gent has finally been named and my life's mission is officially complete.

Which, I guess, technically means, gulp, I can now die.

I never imagined my time would come so soon.

However, if I must go, I go with a satisfied soul.

And at the very least, I can stop harassing people.