I only said... in my opinion.... could be I am wrong. Kudos to you if I am wrong. But, you did ask for opinions. Based on what I see......teeny tiny line scratches in the finish..... says STEEL WOOL. I never mentioned the rust on the rims. It will still play like a 700 dollar Dynasonic that has sat in the original packing in a closet for 35 years and looks like brand new. Now, I think the seller knows better, and if it really shows to have been cleaned with steel wool once you get it......you have a legitimate claim. The seller is a "drum shop." And that is whose chain you need to yank.By the way, always read the REAL BIG FINE PRINT... like the closing sentence in the auction description. "You won't find a better or more original Dynasonic snare drum than this one. Personally reconditioned inside and out. Cleaned and polished and lubricated (T rods). ALL ORIGINAL!!!! Yes muffler, strainer, snare set, snare bridge, hoops, lugs, T rods -everything as original except heads which are very decent. Serial number 54443 places this drum in 1967 with elongated clock watch strainer and Rogers script metal logo (see photo). Very clean only minor pitting and light rust on some hardware pieces. Everything operational and sounding GREAT!. 14x5 COB shell with no dings, dents or heavy scratches. This is a 10 lug drum with no alterations or modifications . Real player's drum."

that was a very strange reaction ddrumman2004.