Here are the pictures the seller messaged me - the exterior ones are pretty clear but the interior one a bit fuzzy . The seller used the phrase - "in good condition looks new" . The logs & coals don't quite look like the manual but could just be not placed properly . I'll have a copy of the log placement page to make sure . If some are bad/missing : I presume I'd better check that they are available before buying .
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The fogging on the glass is caused by the combustion gasses against the glass. You can try wiping that off with a wet cloth then letting it dry to see if it stays clear ----if it stays fogged up it means the glass has been pitted by regular, long time use ----not unexpected in an old stove. If that's the case, that should get you a cheaper price, particularly if you point that out to the seller.
Just guessing, but it looks like the seller cleaned up the stove as best they could, which implies that the fogging of the glass can't be improved on. You can ask the seller about that, and if they claim they didn't clean the glass, check it yourself as a check on the veracity of the seller.
You can check to see if the manufacturer still sells new glass for that stove if you wish ---they probably want a couple of hundred dollars if they do. You may also be able to find a GOOD glass shop that will be able to polish the pit out of the glass for you at a moderate price. Alternatively, a GOOD glass shop can install new glass for you at a moderate price ---$50-100 probably. Having clear glass would add a LOT to the attractiveness of the flames, but nothing to the heating function of the stove.
The logs LOOK like they are intact, but you should check that to be sure they aren't falling apart or deteriorated. The embers look like they are deteriorated ---they tend to turn to powder after years of use. That's GOOD ----it should help you negotiate a cheaper price and you can replace that material by purchasing new embers and such at a stove shop or on line for $5-10.
The fake brick surrounding pieces look liken they are intact. You should check that when you take the logs out. If they are broken or deteriorated, you should get a cheaper price.
If the logs are broken and you can get replacements, I'd do it before the manufacturer quits making them available, which may well already have happened. Broken logs should fetch you a cheaper price, but even if you can't replace them it's not a deal breaker for older, used equipment.
Where is the rust you mentioned? I could not see rust in the pictures.
It doesn't look new to me. It looks like what it is, well used 25 year old equipment. However, you can repaint and polish the brass and rebuild the fire and have it looking very nice if you want to spent a little time doing maintenance and repairs.
I take it you will not be able to see if the stove actually operates. It's always possible there is some repair that needs to be made, which could be expensive. Or it might run fine. That uncertainty should fetch you a cheaper price.
The net result of all this is that you should get this stove for a cheap to moderate price, depending on the issues I've pointed out such as possible fogged glass or deteriorate logs.
I see no reason to warn you off this stove, other than the issues mentioned above which are not necessarily too serious. Just off the cuff, I'd say a price of $100-300 might be reasonable depending on how badly the seller wants to get rid of the stove.
Also, if you can get the vent pipe and metal chimney that may once have been used, you may be able to get that for little or no money and re use it.
Perhaps you will get some other people expressing opinions on this for you, which would be valuable.
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