In all honesty, the seller took considerable pains to take decent pix of the item, so I can't claim to have been deceived. I would not feel right with myself demanding money back for what was essentially my mistake.
ETA: I have a message into the seller explaining the situation, and politely asking if he will consider a return, at my expense, and full refund to CC. I told him that whether he accepts or refuses, I do not plan to contact ebay officially, nor will his response generate a negative review.
Using ebay to "strongarm" him is something I won't do, but if he is willing to work with me, that's something else. We'll see. Can't hurt to ask.
ETA2: Seller agreed to a full refund, which was kind of him. I'll send it back and provide him with tracking # and ETA. He'll be required to sign for it.
Sometimes it pays to ask nicely.
ETA3: Response from Gerber:
- "These [handle/guard serrations] MAY have been done by the factory, but it's difficult to say as we do not have a lot documentation from this time.
- This is made of tool steel (L6).
- Sadly we do not offer these services [re-coating of handles].
- The Gerber Mark 1 boot knife with serial # 004646 was produced between 1976 and 1997. The original Mark 1 model was in production during these years, with variations in handle and sheath colors. Specifically, the early models had a dark green handle and sheath, which was later replaced by tan and then black. The serial number 004646 falls within this production window, but doesn't pinpoint the exact year it was made. "
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