WOW!!! What a let down! If the auctioneer did say there was some doubt about the gun (and Small Bore is in a position to know, since he is in the business of advising buyers and says he told the auctioneer, as did other experts) then this sale clearly becomes a Caveat Emptor situation (actually, they all are, but this one would have a large banner across it) and the buyer/bidders should understand the consequences.

Hopefully, when the gun arrives, it'll still be one the buyer can enjoy for what it is, and there will not have been a total loss.