Found this machine in the USA.  I will paste the description I have of it as well as the photos here.  I was concerned about a few of the photos that show where the legs attach to the machine.  The graphics are all messed up and the wood cabinet has been dug into.  Here is the explanation he has given:

"The area under the legs, are what you can imagine by having the legs bolted on and the weight of the machine supported at those points.  The graphics get wrinkle and the wood of the cabinet gets indented by the edge of the legs (never seen once the legs are on it)"

Here is the description of the machine condition/restoration:

"Our machines are completely shopped prior to you receiving them.  Our shopping process consist of stripping the playfield, cleaning, and waxing.  We then rebuild using new rubber rings, bulbs, and replace any broken parts or plastics (or professional repair if new parts not available).  We then test all switches, and test and replace any weak coils.  We do a cosmetic restoration on the cabinet using only original factory paints, which we are the exclusive distributor of.  Cosmetic restoration is usually only minimal, because we only buy the top 10% of all available machines, to assure top quality.  We then have our tech who has 21 years of pinball experience, do a total electrical testing, inspection, and restoration of the circuit boards.  We even do a light circuit upgrade, by replacing high amp circuits with trifurcon connectors to prevent a heat build up problem which can be a long term problem if not addressed properly."

Specifically to the this machine he says:

"The IJ cabinet is in excellent condition, except the area under where the legs attach.   We don't waste time restoring any graphics under the legs, because they are totally covered unless the machine is used without the legs on.  The thing to note is that all of the cabinet graphics are bright and not faded.  When comparing pinballs from other companies, look for cabinet fade, because these machines are much less valuable because of the fade."

I myself spoke to person here in Calgary who has purchased 6 machines and is purchasing 3 more from this seller.  He gives a high recommendation and has been very very satisfied.  So, does this seem like a good one? Any other questions I should be asking.  Price is $3300.

Here are a few more photos.  The first three are the ones where you can see the damage where the legs were bolten on.  Should I be concerned about this??  Any other questions or concerns I should have?

I thought you were buying a TSPP OR LOTR?

As for pictures...those look "stock" to me.  What about real pictures of the games with close ups?  

And "We do a cosmetic restoration on the cabinet using only original factory paints, which we are the exclusive distributor of. "   ???   I didn't know there was a an exclusive distributor of factory paint used to touch up silk screened stencils?

Quoted from Monkeybug

I didn't know there was a an exclusive distributor of factory paint used to touch up silk screened stencils?

Exactly...  They used silkscreened INKS..  Not paint.

As Grissom says in CSI: "Little lie - big lie"....

Mike

These Photoshopped photos are setting alarm bells off for me.

They may very well not be of the machine your buying. As Mbug stated they look like stock photos.

Maybe you should search R.G.P. for information / feedback about this particular seller?  Or go see the machine.  Otherwise, you takes what you get (and depending on whose doing this, it may be great).  It sounds like it's one of those outfits that gets machines, puts them up for sale and then refubs them AFTER you buy it.

Can someone explain why someone would want to entirely hide the background of the pictures ?

Because pictures has been took inside a flooded basement ? Because they are stolen pics and they dont want you to know ? Because they dont want to look legit ?  

I'm always puzzled by that..

It is my understanding that the photos are of the actual machine.  That's why I was asking him and he was responding about the damage under the legs.  I have asked him again to confirm the the machine in the pics is the one I am buying.  I have also asked if the machine is already refurbished or if it is refurbished after I buy it.  I will report back...

Quoted from sinpin

I myself spoke to person here in Calgary who has purchased 6 machines and is purchasing 3 more from this seller.  He gives a high recommendation and has been very very satisfied.  So, does this seem like a good one? Any other questions I should be asking.  Price is $3300.

Price is OK, but the freight/brokerage and taxes may shock you in the end. The leg decals are nothing to be concerned about, it is normal. I know you state you spoke to someone that has bought from him, but like others are saying, those pics concern me, I do not want to see doctored pictures. If possible, go look at the pins in Calgary from the same seller, it will put your mind at ease more than anything we say. Also ask the guy what the freight bill was, saves you from the shock later.  

Quoted from HP5P

Price is OK, but the freight/brokerage and taxes may shock you in the end. The leg decals are nothing to be concerned about, it is normal. I know you state you spoke to someone that has bought from him, but like others are saying, those pics concern me, I do not want to see doctored pictures. If possible, go look at the pins in Calgary from the same seller, it will put your mind at ease more than anything we say. Also ask the guy what the freight bill was, saves you from the shock later.  

Freight is $400 plus $50 broker fee + 5% GST.  Works out to around $3900 total.  I have asked the seller to send me the original pics without the editing/background.  

Quoted from Monkeybug

I thought you were buying a TSPP OR LOTR?

Yes, I am still looking for a TSPP or LOTR but I was always looking for IJ as well.

I would suggest buying that Shadow.  Its a solid game and will keep you happy for the short term.  And in that short term, you can take your time looking for another pin.

  Looks like my IJ is available again...along with TSPP and TAF.

Quoted from 265

  Looks like my IJ is available again...along with TSPP and TAF.

No, I am still waiting for you to make my decision.  You had not even seen your machine yet so I wanted to keep my options open.  However, my #1 choice is to buy the TAF and TSPP from you.  Please let me know as soon as you know about your machines.  I am just very anxious to get something going.  Let me know,

OK - Everyone forget this post.  I am officially no longer considering this machine.  I am going to wait and see if things can work out with jvegas first....

Quoted from sinpin

OK - Everyone forget this post.  I am officially no longer considering this machine.  I am going to wait and see if things can work out with jvegas first....

A very wise decision my friend.