If it has engravings, then I would certainly say that it has scratches - really deep ones! ha ha... Look over all the markings to get a model number. If it is a Selmer Paris horn (in the bell engravings), then I'd say 299 quid is a VERY good deal. Even if it required some fixing up. If it is not a Selmer Paris horn, then it may or not be worth it if you can't determine if it is in good repair. Selmer is making their student line in Taiwan now which brings the price down significantly. They are probably decent horns, but the deal you are getting becomes less monumental if it is one of these. Do you know anyone who plays the saxophone? Bring them into the shop with you to give it a blow. I found some horns on eBay that happened to be at a local pawn shop so I had the advantage of reviewin them prior to making a bid. They looked decent cosmetically, but they were so completely out of regulation that it would have cost another $300 (or 5 hours of my own personal time) to get them into shape. The shop owner (selling musical instruments next to used drill presses) could care less what condition it was in and stood to do much better going the eBay route than he did to a knowledgeable player. If you get more info on it, shoot me an email and I'll advise you further... Good Luck!