Will Buyers Ever Get Smarter?

[W5USMC]

Speaking of S-T-B's replicas. Last August STB purchased a mixer Rockola on GB for $1250, the sellers description is below:

"This M1 Carbine is marked “ROCK-OLA” on the barrel, piston housing, receiver and
recoil plate. The front sight is marked “RIA” the stamped trigger housing is unmarked
(probably lateral support from Underwood), “A.I.” marked flat bolt, “WM” marked
hammer, “AI” marked band, “PI” marked slide, “H” within a shield marked rear sight,
unmarked two rivet handguard, “I cut” stock with faint “WRA” over “GHD” cartouche
next to the crossed cannon acceptance mark and a circled “P” on the bottom of the
grip and an un-circled “P” on its face. The sling has faint “MRT” markings and the oiler
is unmarked. It retains about 75% finish with no rust or pitting, just some blended gray
patina while the bore is a perfect mirror with strong, sharp rifling. The serial number is
1728883. There are no import marks."

Fast forward to June of this year, S-T-B sold the same now "corrected" or should I say "HUMPED" carbine for $2875, Below is STB's new description that got him a $1625 profit:

"Up for bid is a USGI WW2 M1 Carbine. It was produced probably mid part of 1943. It is in great condition with No rust or pitting and has NO IMPORT stamps or marks. The barrel is "Rock-Ola" coded on the top front. No corrosion. Clean and clear inside and measures a "@" with the muzzle erosion gauge. No bayonet lug scuff on the top. The front sight is the type 1 (milled) and coded with the "T R" on the front. The front barrel band is the early type and coded with the "M-R" on the band. The rear sight is the type 1 (flip) sight and is coded with the "BR" on the right side. There is NO stake marks around the sight. The safety is the early push type and the Magazine Catch is the type 2A and is coded with the "A-R". The
buttplate and recoil plate are both "Rock-Ola". Inside parts are all "Rock-Ola" coded. The stock is the type 2 (Highwood and oval-cut) and is coded with the "RMC" in the slingwell. It has the "RMC" in the box and the small crossed cannons under it. The wood is in excellent condition with No split or cracks, No M2-cut, No arsenal rebuild or repairs. Handguard is the type 2 and coded with the "RMC" on the bottom. Overall, a very collective WW2 M1 Carbine."

The unfortunate this is that I believe that the buyer may be a newer member of the CCC forum.