The blank space on the end of the rib looks like it has a bit of a shelf effect. I can't imagine who would bid $9000 knowing that the Serialization Book describes it as a 28" gun. I also can't imagine a guy trying to sell a $9000 gun without ordering a $40 PGCA letter which would possibly give some more information. Of course, no one ever accused Ed of being a Mensa candidate. By the way, some Parkers can be cut 4" or more and still have the muzzles together. I would assume the buyer, if he is not a shill, has gotten some kind of inspection privelege. One thing, once the gun is sold to the high bidder, no one can second guess the originality except the high bidder.