Thanks to everyone. I will see if I can steal a couple of threads when I get home so that I can test them. My first impression was that it is in almost new condition, with the exception of the leather straps being worn in a bit, but still in great condition. it has some weight to it, and the pattern is spot on in the pleats. I don't know how easy or hard that is to do by hand or machine, but at first glance it looked good, but now I know what to check out when I get home to make sure I got what I payed for. It seemed like it had been altered once or twice, in that the length of the straps doesn't match up right when I put it on. the inner strap (sorry I don't know if there's a name for that) I can only buckle to the first or second holes, while the outer strap ( again sorry) I can pull all the way in, and if I suck in my gut a little the outer apron sags a little as a result. Should be easy to get worked out I think, I just didn't want to take the time and effort if there was anything shady about it, that would make me want to return it. Thanks again though, You guys have all the answers.