Matt, I believe that this seller probably had a good idea that the gun was bogus. He is in the business of buying and selling WWI & WWII artifacts. Unless he is a complete moron he is culpable. I know of a seller of German medals, edged weapons and general artifacts. He has had bogus items from time to time. When asked about authentisity of a certain questionable piece his normal response is "well it looks ok to me"! He has been dealing in militaria for more years than I've been alive. He knows what he is doing.
The bottom line in all collecting is Caveat Emptor
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