Frank,
I'm curious who the seller was.
I have been looking to acquire measuring tools that I will need, and looked on Ebay for edgefinders, wigglers, and the like...
I had three recent experiences just like it, and ended up tossing the tools in the garbage and losing my money, I didn't want to waste time with Paypal and going to the post office for $20 each- it just isn't worth the time to repackage, spend for shipping, drive to the post office, and hope PayPal returns the money.
I purchased two Mititutoyo DTI's- the finger ones- from two sellers whose names escape me. On one the bezel fell right off- it was loose. That is supposed to be a press fit that won't come off. On the other, part of the dovetailed ways were "ground" off. The photo did not show that side with the grinding. Both sellers said "I didn't notice that". (BS). I didn't even give them negative feedback- I realize the "old Nelson" was a hardass in the past, and I have been trying to atone.
Last week, I bought an edgefinder from "artie". I opened the red Starrett case, took it out, and it literally fell apart in my hands- the spring came apart from the end pieces with almost no pressure exerted. I then noticed that the spring ends were shot, and wouldn't hold. (I need to get a correct spring somewhere- maybe Starrett). There was no way not to notice that- the thing was literally held together with a wing and a prayer.
I bought a set of Starrett edgefinders (one single end, one double end) from another seller, and had no problem whatsoever.
I could care less about having initials on them- the grinding is worse than the initials could ever be.
Best,
Nelson