Hi 'Nando,
It these Days of Distraction I have been trudging through as of late, I mistakingly read this thread as having been started by Michael, not yourself. While it is always a pleasure to exchange posts with Michael, in retrospect, I meant to and should have addressed my initial post to you... Sorry about that.
Anyway, I hope it you were able to receive the responses from Jim, Gene, Michael, and I before you had to leave...
I've been in that position before myself, and credit the collectors on the forum for saving me money I nearly spent on a knock-off Warring States period bronze jian.
Regards,
Chris