Dietzel Watch and Watch Repair

I dropped off my family's heirloom clock, a Westminster chime mantle clock circa 1920s, for repair to D Watch & Clock Repair on 10/03/19. The woman behind the counter said the owner, whom she referred to as "Michael," was very behind on repairs and it would be a couple of months. She showed me that the clock actually would still chime when plugged in but needed cleaning/recalibration to keep time properly. I asked how much the repair would cost and she said likely $200 (which is probably all the clock is worth) but reassured me that they would call me before starting repairs but reiterated it could be "weeks" before getting to my clock. This was fine by me because I was in no hurry to get it fixed and about to start a new job with no time off until the holidays (store hours were very limited and irregular, which I'd read in online reviews was due to Mr. D, the owner's, advanced age; Tue 10-1:30, Thu 11-6, Fri 1-5:30). The woman gave me a yellow claim slip with a number and the business info on it with a brief written description of my clock.By Thanksgiving, I realized that I hadn't heard anything and started calling the store. I kept getting a computerized-voice voicemail (generic stating the digits only), and after leaving a few messages with no response became increasingly concerned. I finally had a non-holiday day off on Thur 1/2/20, and drove to the shop during its published open hours only to discover a handwritten note taped to the inside of the store window that was barely legible stating the store had been closed and to call the voicemail (no # even listed) to arrange for pick up of any items left for repair; sorry for the inconvenience. The store was clearly closed and already being renovated yet no one had ever contacted me and I had no way of getting back my family clock. I filed complaints with the VA Attorney General and the City of Alexandria Police Department but neither can help since technically not stolen property. They advised legal action, which I cannot afford.