Sossun Pattah, Sailaba for opinion
 

Ended early: somebody jumped the gun and made an offer that could not be refused.... How do I know? The seller invited maximum offers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
What do you think?
Can anybody read the inscription on the spine?
Unless it belonged to Sivaji himself, I would hesitate to valuate it at $4,200 without even knowing if it is wootz.
What am I missing?

I agree Ariel. I do see signs of wootz, but that in itself does not warrant $4200, and the koftgari is heavily worn. Sorry, I don't see it myself.