[painter]

and hope that nobody claims it within a year (or whatever the limit is).

Around here it's 90 days.

[Brooklyn Attitude]

“and hope that nobody claims it within a year (or whatever the limit is).”

If it was looted from Kuwait or Iraq it is stolen property and there is no way he can keep it. He could try to fight it in court but he will lose after spending many many thousands of dollars. He may get a nice thank you note from the Kuwaiti govt for finding it.