Pried opened vest pocket

[Denny]

Asked seller if machine was pried opened before? Seller says No. Of course she would say that. Was going to put a bid on it until I saw the raised area on top of lock. Does it look like it was tampered with to you? The scratch mark in front of the raised area looks to be from a small screwdriver. Also lock doesnt lock original but I could be wrong on that.

[Midcoast Vintage]

it definitely looks as if it has been pried, but, it is not that bad, and could be flattened out easily, IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING,.
lock may or may not be original.
everything is relative, so, if the price is right, buy it.
sometimes you have to buy them the way they are.
if the price is right, and you don't buy it...down the road you'll be kicking yourself in the butt.
yes, it is nice to find those mint, perfect, never on location machines, but...they just don't come up that often.
if the price is stupid... pass. you can buy a vest pocket any day of the week.
if it is a bargain... grab it.