IB, you've got a PM.
Again, thanks for advice about riding herd on the packing. Called the seller this afternoon, and he's as concerned as I (now) am. He's going to read them the riot act when he takes them in: will insist on big bubble wrap and double boxing, AND he's going to call me from the UPS store and let me put the fear of God in them as well. Of course, irony will probably run its course and it'll get packed by some 17-yr-old who'll take revenge on his overbearing father via "Stewie" and pack them with today's NY Times. Stay tuned.