e-bay experience

[harjoydes]

Hi, I recently bought a copy of Grainger's arrangement of Gershwin's "The Man I Love" on e-bay.  I was led to believe it was a vintage piece (used, good condition), and the photo seemed to indicate it was somewhat aged.  It took forever to arrive-surface mail from England to Australia, and when I received it, I was disappointed to find that it was a photocopy.
I emailed the seller back, expressing my disappointment, and said if I had of wanted a photocopy, I could have got one from a friend.  Meanwhile, I was thinking that they had breached copywrite, as Grainger and Gershwin are still under protection.
I received a reply, from "Barry", administrator of the Percy Grainger Estate, saying that they are authorised to sell legitimate copies of Grainger's works.  However, there is no stamp, or symbol of authorisation on my copy. Not only that, I was told that it would be illegal for me to photocopy the work and I would be liable to prosecution.
On the scale of lifetime dramas, this isn't huge, but I am a bit confused.  My piano teacher says I would not be able to use the copy in an exam (if that was my intention).
I paid $11(aus) for the music and postage, which isn't a fortune, but I  could have bought it new from a music shop for the same, or less.
Does any one have any ideas or advice?  I was going to leave negetive feedback, then I see that they have 99.8% positive feedback, so I don't think I'll leave any.
Thanks, Joyce

[Bob]

Leave feedback.  Exactly what you said here.

[earthward]

definitely leave feedback. That's annoying 

[thalbergmad]

Indeed, you must leave feedback or the 99.8% will stay.

This is not the first time i have heard of a problem like this. I have also seen someone on e bay selling pdf's, some of which i have made myself.

Things like this make my blood boil. I live in England, so if you give me his address, I will pay him a "visit".

Thal

[pianolist]

I think you probably bought the music from Barry Ould, who is what he says he is.

Are you sure that you can still buy the real music in the shops? I thought the problem was that Grainger's publishers (Schott's) no longer put out much of his music in proper printed form. I have bought Grainger's music direct from them, and they simply photocopy much of it. I imagine Barry simply sells it retail by mail order, and after all, he is a well-known figure in British musical circles.

I am surprised that there was no official stamp, and you might suggest that he should put one on any copies which he sells in future. But I think your main beef might be with Schott's, who could invest more in Grainger's music.

[harjoydes]

Thank you pianolist,
It all makes sense now, and I may take up your suggestion about the official stamp. I've got a feeling I have seen a copy of it in our local music shop once, but maybe it was old.
This forum is marvellous!!