University of Chicago Receives Mystery Indiana Jones Package

First time accepted submitter VanGarrett writes "Someone at the University of Chicago went through a lot of trouble to baffle a few people, with an old timey package addressed to Indiana Jones. From the article: 'The package contained an incredibly detailed replica of "University of Chicago Professor" Abner Ravenwood's journal from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. It looks only sort of like this one, but almost exactly like this one, so much so that we thought it might have been the one that was for sale on Ebay had we not seen some telling inconsistencies in cover color and "Ex Libris" page (and distinct lack of sword). The book itself is a bit dusty, and the cover is teal fabric with a red velvet spine, with weathered inserts and many postcards/pictures of Marion Ravenwood (and some cool old replica money) included. It's clear that it is mostly, but not completely handmade, as although the included paper is weathered all of the "handwriting" and calligraphy lacks the telltale pressure marks of actual handwriting.'"

Congratulations

[Anonymous Coward]

Looks like someone decided to turn a piece of fan art into performance art.
I am amused.
Nicely done.

Probably just a mailing error

[Anonymous Coward]

It's more likely that the package from the ebay seller to the buyer got damaged in the mail, and the inner package fell out. The USPS then delivered the inner package.

Updated tumblr Post

[Anonymous Coward]

They have posted an update here [tumblr.com] ... I would say their most plausible explanation is probably the correct one judging from the original picture [tumblr.com]:

Most plausible, least exciting: someone purchased one from the replica-maker on Ebay that we linked to yesterday, and on its way to the recipient, it wormed its way out of an outside package. Thinking the Egyptian postage was legit, a wayward mail carrier wrote on our zip code and it hitchhiked its way to our office. Certainly less exciting than our other options, but would still be a hilarious end to our vexing problem. If you are the original Ebay seller of this item and have an angry customer who never got their package, please let us know.

Obvious Answer: It's an Application to the Colleg

[VoidEngineer]

As a UChicago grad, I think the answer is obvious. It was delivered to the Admissions office during the month of December. It's an application to the college. The Admissions office would just like to know who it's from! :)

It's daring, if somewhat obvious. But to my knowledge, it hasn't actually been done before. It was bound to happen eventually, however. I'm just kind of surprised it took this long, in fact. Whoever sent it will obviously get in if they have a modicum of academic ability or talent. It's exactly the kind of nerdy stunt, with an appreciation for aesthetics, that UChicago appreciates.