500 is the absolute most I would go because it's going to need some work
I wouldn't pay anything for it until I saw a better picture of the wood behind the tang.
Keep your eye on it and if it's where you want to be at the end bid on it.
You can't win the auction until the end of the auction, so I am always the last bidder on these internet auctions or a live auction. I wait until the "going once call".
If the other participants get it bid it up past what I'm want to pay, I never have to raise my hand.
