I would hope that the item was insured, if it was a one of a kind. I offer OPTIONAL insurance to everyone that buys anything from me. I will not be held responsible for any loss or damaged items if the buyer selects not to have insurance. If I can prove shipping the item and no insurance was paid by buyer Ebay will chose your side. I have been through this before.

I have sent many items to FPO APO's before with no trouble. They are just like sending inside the US. I have found they are just as quick as well. Just mark it down as a lesson learned and it didn't cost you four years to learn.

Good Luck!
Robert