We tend to be a cynical group... perhaps all of the fraud, greed, and criminals in the hobby have made us this way. Understood...
But just to play Devil's Advocate....
If this was a repro, wouldn't others have turned up?
The time and expense (and skill) involved to recreate this piece would be tremendous
If it was made for fraudulent purposes, wouldn't the crooks artificially age it (just to make it look older/authentic?)
Why would they leave it so pristine, if intending to deceive? Most reproductions are never sold/auctioned without creating the illusion of age.
The woman who approached Leon seems sincere. Why would she go through the charade of an ebay auction, just to cancel it later?
Why would she terminate the auction, to get it authenticated (if she knew it was fake?)
She says she acquired it in an estate sale. If the original seller was the fraudulent one, why would they sell it in that venue?
They aren't exactly going to maximize their investment, selling it to some unknowing lady at an estate sale!
Just some food for thought... Eager to hear others' views as well
